Neymar turns his Santos return into a night that changes the mood after the World Cup

After the disappointment suffered with the Brazil national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Neymar found reasons to smile again.

The Brazilian forward returned to action with Santos and became the main figure in the 2-2 draw against Chapecoense in the 20th round of the Brazilian Championship.

In a match that appeared to be heading toward defeat for Peixe, the number 10 stepped up at the decisive moments and scored both of his team's goals.

Neymar makes the difference for Santos

Santos began the match by putting pressure on the opposition defense and looking to quickly take control of the action.

The first reward arrived in the 35th minute. After a combination between Igor Vinicius and Argentine midfielder Álvaro Barreal, Neymar received the ball inside the box and calmly placed his finish into the corner to open the scoring.

However, the lead failed to bring calm to the home side.

Chapecoense changed the course of the match

Marcinho made it 1-1 in the 50th minute, before an unfortunate play changed the score once again ten minutes later.

João Ananias attempted to clear the ball in front of his own goal, but ended up sending it into the back of the net and giving the visitors the lead.

The own goal forced Santos to react and increased the pressure on a team that continues fighting to stay away from the bottom places in the standings.

A decisive appearance in the final minutes

Santos searched for the equalizer through Gabriel Menino, Bontempo and Neymar himself, but Chapecoense's defense managed to hold firm for much of the second half.

As the match entered its final minutes, a foul committed on Paraguayan forward Gustavo Caballero resulted in a penalty.

Neymar took responsibility and did not waste the opportunity.

In the 88th minute, the Brazilian converted from the penalty spot and scored his second goal of the night, rescuing a point for the club where he began his professional career.

An important result for Peixe

Although Santos were unable to secure the victory, Neymar's goal prevented a defeat that would have further complicated their situation in the championship.

Peixe remain just one point above the relegation zone, while teams such as Vasco da Gama, Mirassol, Remo and Chapecoense occupy the bottom places in the standings.

The brace also represents a new beginning for Neymar after what would have been his fourth and final World Cup with Brazil.