A triumphant return, Neymar scores a historic hat-trick to rescue Santos' season

08/12/2025 07:57:00 ceshi

From facing relegation, Santos managed to turn things around to remain in the league and qualify for the Copa Sudamericana, propelled by Neymar’s remarkable brilliance at the season’s critical moment.

Santos entered the final rounds of the Brasileirao Serie A in an almost desperate position. After a disastrous 2023 season, they faced the threat of relegation, consistently hovering among the bottom four teams. But at this crucial moment, one name changed everything: Neymar Jr.

A meniscus injury seemed to have ended Neymar’s season prematurely. He missed four crucial matches, leaving Santos in a perilous state. Yet, overcoming the pain, Neymar made a surprising decision to return to the pitch despite the risks. This bold choice sparked an unimaginable turning point.

Neymar scored eight goals this season, all arriving when Santos was in the most critical danger

In the penultimate week, Neymar scored a hat-trick to lead Santos to a 3-0 victory over Juventude and escape the relegation zone. In the final round, although he didn’t score, Neymar still participated in the 3-0 win against Cruzeiro, a match that secured Santos’ 12th place finish and qualification for the Copa Sudamericana.

He netted 4 goals and provided 1 assist, directly contributing to six points for Santos — meaning half of his total goals this season came exactly when the team needed them most.

After the match, Neymar tearfully spoke about his future: “I honestly don’t know. I need a few days to rest before deciding. But Santos will always be my priority.” Despite signing an extension through 2025, the Brazilian forward left open the possibility of leaving or staying depending on the club’s project progress.

The 3-0 victory helped Santos finish 12th and earn a spot in the 2026 Copa Sudamericana

Looking back at this life-or-death journey, Neymar’s influence cannot be denied. He always appeared at the exact moment Santos needed him most. Those goals — especially the decisive hat-trick — saved Santos from a season collapse.

Santos’ revival thanks to Neymar reminds fans of when he was a young academy graduate leading the team to Copa Libertadores glory. This time, he didn’t bring a trophy, but delivered something equally meaningful: hope and survival.

Neymar created the turning point for Santos’ entire season

However, the future remains uncertain. If Neymar stays, Santos will enter the 2026 Copa Sudamericana with genuine ambitions. If he leaves, the club faces losing its biggest star just as they regain stability.

Whatever happens, Santos fans will never forget the season when Neymar, amid the greatest adversity, fought through injury, pain, and pressure to fulfill his promise: saving the club that nurtured him.

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