Neymar's much-anticipated return to Santos hit a snag as the team was eliminated from the Campeonato Paulista on March 10, 2025. Santos fell to Corinthians by a score of 2-1 during the semifinal match, played at the Neo Quimica Arena. The defeat ended Santos' hopes for their first title since Neymar's return and marked the end of their four-game winning streak.
The match started with excitement, as Corinthians took the lead early on. Yuri Alberto scored the first goal just 11 minutes after the whistle blew, assisted by new teammate Memphis Depay. Santos soon found their footing, managing to equalize with Tiquinho Soares's goal at the 38th minute. Unfortunately for Santos supporters, the joy was short-lived. Just 17 minutes after the equalizer, Rodrigo Garro clinched the victory for Corinthians, silencing the Santos crowd with a well-placed shot inside the area.
While Neymar had been declared fit to play, he did not make it onto the pitch due to muscle discomfort. This absence was notable as fans were eager to see him lead the charge for his team during this pivotal match, hoping to bring home the coveted trophy.
Despite the setback, Neymar's presence was felt throughout the tournament. His participation concluded with 508 matches distributed over seven encounters, where he managed to score three goals and provide three assists, including contributions to matches against teams like Água Santa, Inter Limeira, and RB Bragantino.
Corinthians' victory propels them forward to the final match of the Campeonato Paulista, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal clash between Palmeiras and São Paulo. This match is scheduled to take place soon, as both teams vie for the championship.
Looking forward, Santos' next challenge will be on March 30, 2025, against Vasco Da Gama during the beginning of the Brasileirao season. Neymar is expected to be focused on this upcoming match, with sufficient time to recuperate and recalibrate his energy after the semifinal exit.
On the national stage, Neymar will also be representing Brazil, with two significant matches on the horizon for the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. Brazil is set to go head-to-head with Colombia on March 20 at the Arena BRB Mané Garrincha, located in Salvador, Bahia. Following this, they will face fierce rivals Argentina on March 25 at the Estadio Monumental de Buenos Aires. Brazil currently sits fifth in the qualifiers, boasting 18 points—just one point above Paraguay and five points clear of Bolivia. The team will be seeking every opportunity to secure the all-important points necessary for World Cup qualification, especially as the competition becomes fierce and approaches its climax.
The stakes are high not only for Neymar and his teammates at Santos but also for the national team. Every game matters as the players work to secure their position on the road to the 2026 World Cup, which will take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With such high expectations and fierce competition, Neymar's skills and experience could be pivotal for his team—both at the club level and the national stage.