Neymar scores first brace in over two years

Neymar marked a milestone night in Brazil's Serie A with a standout performance, scoring twice in Santos' 3-1 win over Juventude. It was his first brace in over two years and the first time he has started five consecutive matches since August 2022.

The 33-year-old has faced a tough stretch with injuries, most notably a serious knee ligament tear suffered against Uruguay in October 2023. That setback sidelined him for months and kept him out of the Brazil national team setup.

Now back at his boyhood club, Neymar is eager to prove his worth to Brazil's new head coach, Carlo Ancelotti. "Everyone knows what I'm capable of. I'm available and I feel good. The decision is in the hands of the national team staff," he said following the match.

While Neymar's form is on the rise, Santos continue to struggle, currently sitting 15th in the league and flirting with relegation. Still, his return to form will no doubt catch the attention of Ancelotti, who is tasked with rejuvenating a Brazil side searching for stability and success.