Brazilian star Neymar marked his return to action with a brace for Santos, responding to critics as his side secured a 2-2 draw against bottom-placed Chapecoense in Brazil’s top flight on Saturday.
The 34-year-old scored both goals to help Santos earn a valuable point in their battle against relegation, leaving the club just one point above the relegation zone.
The match was Neymar’s first appearance for Santos after spending two-and-a-half months on the sidelines.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward has faced criticism over his off-field lifestyle and attracted fresh scrutiny earlier this week after participating in a poker tournament while his teammates were playing a Copa Sudamericana match in Venezuela.
Neymar appeared to answer his critics with his goal celebrations, first mimicking the dealing of playing cards before pretending to take a golf swing using the corner flag.
The performance came after the Brazilian forward ended his international career following Brazil’s elimination by Norway in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite recent criticism, Neymar’s two-goal display provided a timely boost for Santos as the club continues its fight to avoid relegation in the Brazilian top division.
