Neymar answers critics with brace on Santos return

Neymar made a statement on his return to action, scoring twice for Santos and responding to recent criticism with a playful goal celebration during the club’s latest Brazilian Série A fixture.

The 34-year-old’s brace helped Santos secure a crucial 2-2 draw against bottom-placed Chapecoense on Saturday, rescuing a point for a side still fighting to avoid relegation.

Despite Neymar’s goals, the result left Santos just one point above the relegation zone in Brazil’s top division, increasing the pressure on the club during the final stages of the season.

The match marked Neymar’s first appearance for Santos in more than two months after a lengthy injury absence. During that time, the Brazilian star has continued to face criticism over his lifestyle and off-field activities.

The scrutiny intensified earlier this week after Neymar participated in a poker tournament while his Santos teammates were competing in a Copa Sudamericana fixture in Venezuela.

However, the forward responded in typical fashion on the pitch. After scoring his opening goal, Neymar celebrated with a card-dealing gesture before grabbing the corner flag and pretending to swing it like a golf club — a clear response to his critics.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker’s performance offered a reminder of his quality, as he continues to rebuild his rhythm following another spell on the sidelines.

Neymar’s return to club football comes after he ended his international career with the Brazil national team following the five-time FIFA World Cup winners’ disappointing tournament exit.

Brazil were eliminated in the World Cup Round of 16 after a defeat to Norway, bringing an end to Neymar’s long and successful international journey as the country’s all-time leading goalscorer.