Neymar showed his support for international team-mate Vinícius Júnior in eye-catching fashion on Thursday night, celebrating a goal for Santos FC with the same dance that has dominated headlines in Europe.
Vinícius, who recently scored a decisive goal for Real Madrid against Benfica in the Champions League, has been at the centre of controversy following allegations of racial abuse during the first leg of the tie. His trademark celebration was criticised in some quarters, yet the winger responded by producing another match-winning display in Madrid and repeating the dance in front of the home crowd.
From Brazil, Neymar echoed the gesture after finding the net in Santos’ 2–1 victory over CR Vasco da Gama, a moment widely interpreted as a show of solidarity with his Seleção colleague.
The 34-year-old opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a composed right-footed finish into the bottom corner — reminiscent of Vinícius’ strike at the Santiago Bernabéu. Vasco levelled shortly before half-time, but Neymar again made the difference after the break.
Latching onto a through ball, he produced a delicate chip over the advancing goalkeeper to secure victory for his boyhood club. The brace marked his first goals of 2026 and his first multi-goal performance in six months, underlining a timely return to form after injury setbacks.
Speaking to SporTV after the match, Neymar reflected on the fluctuating nature of public opinion.
“Last week they said I was the worst player in the world. Football is like that — one day you’re finished, the next you’re going to the World Cup. I’m living one day at a time, working to reach my best form,” he said.
Neymar’s resurgence comes at a pivotal moment for Brazil’s national side. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has yet to recall the country’s all-time leading scorer since taking charge last May, instead offering opportunities to emerging talents such as Estêvão and João Pedro.
Injuries have played a significant role in Neymar’s absence from recent squads. However, with the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico now just months away, a sustained run of fitness and form could force Ancelotti’s hand.
Brazil’s upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia in March are expected to provide a clearer indication of the manager’s plans.
