Will Neymar Jr. Play for Santos Against Universidad Central in the 2026 Copa Sudamericana Playoff Second Leg?

The Brazilian superstar was the biggest absentee in the first leg in Venezuela. Will he return to the pitch this time around?

Neymar is ready to return to action with Santos. The Brazilian forward trained normally, was included in the squad, and is expected to feature on Tuesday, July 29, in the second leg of the 2026 Copa Sudamericana playoff round against Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV), with a place in the Round of 16 at stake.

The São Paulo side enters the match with a commanding 4-1 advantage from the first leg and will look to secure qualification in front of its home supporters.

CONMEBOL Sudamericana

How and Where to Watch: Santos vs Universidad Cent

NEYMAR IS AVAILABLE

After several days surrounded by controversy over his lack of playing time, Neymar is once again grabbing headlines for his performances on the pitch.

The forward has put his fitness concerns behind him, completed training sessions without any issues, and was cleared by the coaching staff for the continental clash. Everything indicates that Cuca will have his star player available, either from the starting lineup or as an option off the bench, in a match where Santos enters as the heavy favorite to advance.

The Brazilian also arrives with renewed confidence after finding the back of the net again in the domestic league, scoring a brace in his most recent appearance. His presence represents a major boost for a team looking to rebuild confidence and remain competitive on the international stage.

SANTOS AIM TO KEEP THEIR CUP RUN ALIVE

With their advantage secured in Venezuela, Peixe heads into the second leg in a favorable position, although they cannot afford to relax. The objective is to confirm their place in the Copa Sudamericana Round of 16 and maintain momentum during a season in which the club is also fighting to climb away from the bottom of the Brasileirão standings.

Amid the criticism surrounding Neymar in recent weeks, the forward insisted that many reports about alleged internal conflicts at the club are false.

Now, he will have another opportunity to prove it on the pitch.

All eyes will be on Neymar as one of the main attractions of the Santos vs. UCV matchup, a game that could provide another confidence boost for the Brazilian side in the Copa Sudamericana.