Neymar Dismisses Injury Concerns After Free Kick Goal In Santos' Victory

Neymar contributed a goal for Santos before being replaced with injury (Instagram/@santosfc).

JAKARTA - Neymar tried to convince fans that he was fine even though he asked to be replaced when Santos won 2-0 over Bragantono on Monday, March 3, 2025, early morning WIB.

Neymar scored his team's opener in the ninth minute with a straight free kick to help Santos advance to the semifinals of Campeonato Paulista.

However, the Brazilian forward came out in the 76th minute due to thigh problems and had to receive treatment on the bench.

Santos manager Pedro Caixinha told a news conference after the match that Neymar would be evaluated on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, as the team resumed training.

"Let's wait for him to be evaluated, hopefully everything will be fine on Wednesday," said Caixinha.

The 33-year-old player also wrote on his personal Instagram to report that he was fine.

"I'm fine, I feel uncomfortable and think better I'm not injured!"

"It's been a long time since I played with intensity like this. I'm very happy to be back in my best physical form! Thank you everyone for the message," wrote Neymar.

Neymar has only appeared seven times in more than 18 months for Saudi Arabia's Pro League club, Al Hilal, injured before returning to his boyhood club Santos as a free agent on the winter transfer market.

Monday's goal was Neymar's third goal in his last four games for Santos.

"He's a fantastic player. The rhythm of the game is complete. Now, the other cycles will follow and he will be the Neymar we all see."

"Our concern is not who we will face (in the semifinals of Campeonato Paulista). It's about preparing to win. With Neymar, things are getting easier," Caixinha said of the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star.