Neymar scores a brace for Santos and dedicates his celebration to Vinicius Jr after the Champions League racism controversy.

The Brazilian icon showed his support for Vinicius Junior in the best way possible.

Carlo Ancelotti has opted against recalling Neymar Junior for Brazil’s March friendlies. The decision arrives at a time when debate around Neymar Junior’s international future has intensified, particularly following Santos’ recent domestic setback.

As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup accelerates, speculation has intensified over whether the Selecao’s all-time leading scorer will return to the international stage this March.

Santos and Vasco played the isolated match of the fourth round of the Brasileirão on Thursday night (26), bringing together the then two bottom teams in the standings. Neymar took on the role of protagonist. There was a celebration for Vini Jr., a spat with a nemesis, insults, and two goals from the number 10 in a World Cup year.

Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti does not intend to call up Neymar Jr for the two upcoming friendlies ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to ESPN Brazil.

The 34-year-old forward returned to his boyhood club Santos in January 2025 and played a key role in their survival in the Brazilian top flight, scoring five times in their last five matches.

After scoring his first goal in 2026 with Santos since his return from injury, Neymar paid a tribute to his teammate in the national team Vinicius Junior. Neymar raised concerns last year after suffering a knee injury that could have affected his form just months before the World Cup with Brazil.

Neymar Jr. reacts after Santos brace against Vasco da Gama. In comments shared by TouchlineX, Neymar Jr. said: “Last week they said I was the worst player in the world.” He ad