Star Forward’s Heroics Seal Dramatic Serie A Survival on Final Day, But Knee Surgery Looms Amid 2026 World Cup Hopes.

Neymar Jr.

Santos pulled off one of Brazilian football‘s most gripping survival tales, thrashing third-placed Cruzeiro 3–0 on the season’s final day to dodge relegation and cling to Serie A status, with Neymar at the emotional epicenter despite battling a debilitating knee injury, as reported by sportblits.com.

Neymar‘s Crucial Late Surge Lifts Santos from the Brink

The 33-year-old forward, who rejoined his formative club in January 2025 after an injury-riddled 18-month stint at Al-Hilal—terminated by mutual consent—limited to just 19 league appearances this term, erupted when it mattered most.

His final three outings yielded fireworks: a goal in a 3–0 rout of Sport Recife, a blistering hat-trick in another 3–0 demolition of Juventude, and Sunday’s masterful orchestration at Vila Belmiro—firing shots and dictating play to propel Santos to 12th place with 47 points. This averted a second straight drop—the club’s first in 111 years came in 2023—and etched a modern legend for the Peixe, once Pelé‘s launchpad.

Match Highlights: Thaciano‘s Double, Schmidt Seals It

In Sunday night‘s thriller, Thaciano struck twice in rapidfire fashion (26th and 28th minutes) to ignite the home faithful, before João Schmidt nodded home the third on the 60th minute—capping a 2–0 halftime lead and total dominance over a stakes-free Cruzeiro. Neymar, bandaged and limping, featured from whistle to whistle, his creative heartbeat undeniable despite no goal.

Emotional Climax: Tears, Gratitude, and Surgery Revelation

Post-whistle pandemonium erupted at Vila Belmiro: Neymar collapsed to his knees in the centre circle, tears streaming as 8,000 supporters roared—many circling the pitch in solidarity. Santos‘ captain later posted on his official X account: “Deus, OBRIGADO!” (God, Thank You), sharing triumphant images.

Neymar revealed: “I came for this, to try to help the best way I can. These have been tough weeks for me… If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have played these matches because of these injuries, this knee problem. I need to rest, and then we will have this knee surgery.” No timeline was specified, but arthroscopic procedures often sideline stars for months—clouding his Brazil 2026 World Cup aspirations, despite coach Carlo Ancelotti‘s interest.

Santos fans will remember this escape as one of the club’s great modern survival stories—a chapter where their most famous academy product, who left for Barcelona in a 2013 record deal, then starred at PSG and Al-Hilal, once again carried the badge with pride, even while injured.

As Neymar eyes recovery and a potential contract renewal amid transfer whispers, this relegation reprieve cements his Santos lore: pain-fueled, tear-streaked, and eternally Peixe-proud.