Neymar made his return to the pitch for Santos following Brazil’s lackluster World Cup run, marking the occasion by netting two goals and aiming a mocking celebration at those who have questioned him. The 34-year-old forward secured a 2-2 draw against Chapecoense on Saturday, a vital result as the club fights to avoid dropping out of the top division.
This match served as the star’s first appearance in over ten weeks. He had recently drawn public ire for participating in a poker tournament while his colleagues competed in a continental fixture in Venezuela. Addressing this, Neymar performed a card-dealing gesture after his first goal and later swung a corner flag like a golf club.
Despite the brace, Santos sits merely one point clear of the relegation zone. Neymar, the nation’s leading goalscorer, has officially retired from international football following Brazil’s elimination by Norway during the most recent World Cup.
