Neymar Scores a Stunning Hat-Trick to Save Santos From Relegation in the Brasileirão

Neymar put the football world on notice again after delivering a brilliant hat-trick in Santos’ 3–0 win over Juventude on Matchday 37 of the 2025 Brasileirão. The victory, earned away from home, lifted Santos out of the relegation zone and gives the club a crucial advantage heading into the final match of the season. At 33 years old, the Peixe legend proved he can still carry an entire team when the season enters survival mode.

The Brazilian star decided the match in a devastating 17-minute stretch during the second half—an explosion of talent reminiscent of his brightest nights in Europe. Neymar opened the scoring after a perfect assist from Argentine midfielder Álvaro Barreal. Moments later, he doubled the lead, finishing off a rapid transition sparked by Igor Vinícius. His third came from the penalty spot after Lautaro Díaz was fouled in the box. It was Neymar’s first hat-trick since April 2022, when he was still playing for Paris Saint-Germain, and a reminder that his killer instinct remains intact.

Beyond the individual brilliance, the night in Caxias do Sul may become the turning point of Santos’ season. With the win, Santos reached 44 points, climbing two above the relegation line with only one match left. A draw at Vila Belmiro against Cruzeiro on the final day will be enough to secure safety and avoid reliving the trauma of their recent relegation.

Neymar’s impact comes at a critical moment. In his last three matches, he has produced five goals and one assist, a run that delivered seven of nine possible points for Santos. After months battling injuries and inconsistent minutes, the No. 10 has gone from physical question mark to the team’s central engine in their fight for survival.

His sensational form contrasts sharply with the medical concerns that continue to follow him. Neymar is playing through a meniscus problem in his left knee, and all signs indicate he will require arthroscopic surgery once the season ends. His decision to postpone the operation—despite recommendations for rest—has sparked debate in Brazil about the fine line between commitment and long-term health.

The national team angle adds even more weight. Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has emphasized repeatedly that only players in full physical condition will make the 2026 World Cup squad—a message directed at both Neymar and Vinícius Júnior. The all-time leading scorer of the Seleção has not played for Brazil since October 2023, but performances like this hat-trick argue that if his body holds up, his talent remains world-class in a crowded attacking pool.

Tactically, Santos have crafted a system that maximizes Neymar’s influence without overextending him physically. He operates freely between the lines, supported by Barreal, Vinícius, and Díaz stretching defenses and offering constant passing lanes. His reception from the Juventude crowd—even rival fans applauding as he was substituted—underscores how much respect his performances still command.

Santos’ final match at Vila Belmiro now carries enormous emotional weight for both the club and its icon. If the Peixe secure their safety, this hat-trick will be remembered as the night Neymar fully reclaimed the role of savior. What comes next will depend on his knee recovery and a race against time to prove to Ancelotti that he belongs at the 2026 World Cup.