SAO PAULO — Santos and Neymar secured survival in Brazil’s Serie A on Sunday with a 3-0 win over Cruzeiro, and the 33-year-old soccer star later confirmed he’ll bear surgical procedure on his left knee.
Taking part in its final league match of the season, Santos, which achieved a worldwide following with all-time nice Pelé, averted what would have been the membership’s second relegation in membership historical past. Santos was relegated in 2023 for the primary time nearly a 12 months after the dying of Pelé.
Neymar struggled to recuperate from a torn ACL in October 2023 sustained throughout a World Cup qualifier in opposition to Uruguay. However he proved key for Santos in a profitable battle to keep away from relegation within the Brazilian championship after promotion final 12 months.
Neymar, who returned to Santos in January, was decisive for the membership the place he began his skilled profession. Within the final three rounds of the league, Neymar scored a purpose in opposition to Sport Recife in a 3-0 win, netted a hat trick in opposition to Juventude on Wednesday in one other 3-0 victory, and on Sunday was an efficient playmaker.
Thaciano (twenty sixth and twenty eighth minutes) and João Schmidt (sixtieth) scored in opposition to Cruzeiro at Vila Belmiro Stadium as Santos completed twelfth with 47 factors.
Neymar performed solely 19 of the 38 rounds of the league, which began in April. He scored eight targets.
“I got here for this, to attempt to assist one of the best ways I can. These have been powerful weeks for me,” Neymar mentioned after the sport. “I thank those that have been with me to carry me up. If it weren’t for them, I would not have performed these matches due to these accidents, this knee drawback. I have to relaxation after which we can have this knee surgical procedure.”
Neymar didn’t give extra particulars concerning the knee harm and surgical procedure. He mentioned he nonetheless hoped to be included in Brazil’s remaining squad for the 2026 World Cup, although coach Carlo Ancelotti has but to choose the previous captain since he took over in Might. The Italian mentioned Neymar could be included if he was match.
Flamengo gained its ninth Brazilian league title midweek after a 1-0 dwelling victory in opposition to Ceara. The Rio de Janeiro membership additionally gained the Copa Libertadores final month.
Data from The Related Press was used on this report.