Neymar volta ao time titular do Santos irritado e com pouco futebol em derrota para o RB Leipzig

Neymar’s return to Santos’ starting lineup lasted just 45 minutes on Wednesday. The star player appeared in the first half of the friendly match against RB Leipzig in Bragança Paulista but was largely invisible. Frustrated by his team’s lack of coordination and numerous errors, Neymar barely touched the ball during the first half, which ended with a 3-1 score against his side.

With the Copa do Brasil and international competitions out of reach, coach Cléber Xavier indicated that the friendly was an opportunity to “give playing time” to those who had not seen much action lately. Thus, Neymar started a game for the first time in 42 days, alongside goalkeeper João Paulo.

The number 10 is trying to regain form to help lift Santos out of the relegation zone in the Brasileirão and to prove to Carlo Ancelotti that he deserves a spot in the next Brazilian national team call-up. Arriving on the field with several young fans, one being held in his arms, he attracted plenty of attention from the crowd.

Before the Super Club World Cup break in the United States, Santos will host current champions Botafogo on Sunday at Vila Belmiro and then travel to Fortaleza on June 12, following the World Cup qualifiers. These Brasileirão matches coincide with Neymar’s contract, which remains uncertain despite indications of staying in Brazil until 2026.

Neymar played in a more advanced position next to striker Tiquinho Soares, while Rollheiser and Barreal handled most of the playmaking. The German side featured key players like shirt number 10 Xavi Simons, a friend of the Brazilian star, as well as Openda and the talented young Nusa up front.

The first chance came from the feet of the 20-year-old Norwegian and after navigating through several defenders, he shot wide. Shortly after, the forward fell in the area after a tussle with Zé Ivaldo. More in sync, Leipzig took the lead with Simons scoring just 14 minutes in; a deflection deceived João Paulo.

With little synergy with his teammates, Neymar voiced his frustrations as the Santos team struggled with short passes and defensive organization. He even directed traffic for Zé Ivaldo while feeling neglected. In a rare attacking opportunity, he dropped back to midfield and delivered a precise cross for Tiquinho, whose effort was saved by Vandevoordt. The central defender then hit the post with a follow-up.

Cléber Xavier made significant changes at half-time to evaluate more players, including Kevyson, Hyan, and Gabriel Veron, while also resting Neymar. However, the revamped team still struggled on the field. The RB Leipzig doubled their lead when Openda found space among the defenders and scored after 14 minutes, celebrating with a dance.

Another goal soon followed, stemming from a defensive error by Santos. After a series of passes, the ball reached Simons, who scored again after a deflection off a defender.

The Santos youth stepped in at the 24-minute mark to net a consolation goal. Kevyson crossed from the left for Hyan, Neymar’s substitute, to tap into an empty net. With just 15 minutes remaining, both teams had made numerous substitutions, leaving only João Paulo and Luizão on the field for Santos, while Leipzig fielded mostly 17- and 18-year-olds.

Neymar supported the youngsters from the bench, even taking the time to hug and take a photo with a young Santos fan who ran onto the pitch. As the final whistle blew without any further goals, the players embraced, and now Santos turns its focus to Botafogo, where only a victory will suffice at Vila Belmiro.