JAKARTA - Santos coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda has high hopes for the attacking duo, Neymar and Gabriel Barbosa, this season.
Neymar signed a contract extension to stay at Santos until December 2026. He began to be the focus of the team after helping them out of the relegation zone of the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A (Brazilian Serie A) last season - finishing in 12th place.
Meanwhile, Barbosa - who was only brought in at the beginning of January 2026 as a loan player - opened the goal by scoring in his first match in a 2-1 victory against Novorizontino in the Campeonato Paulista Serie A1 on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
As is known, Barbosa is a Santos-trained player since he was young. He started to enter the main team in 2013 before seeking experience in Europe and several Brazilian clubs.
Not only that, Barbosa and Neymar are a deadly duo when they both grew up at Santos.
No wonder, upon his return to Santos, he is expected to work again with Neymar to lift the team, contributing with each of the responsibilities he carries.
"Neymar and Barbosa know the club very well and they also know each other. However, they will want the best for Santos."
"Will they share the responsibility? No. I want the maximum from Neymar and Barbosa so that they do not share the responsibility, so that they add and multiply their contribution for the good of Santos."
"I will demand this because they are capable of doing it. Then, the coaching staff must find a mechanism so that they can perform at the highest level," said Vojvoda.
Neymar was seen congratulating Barbosa in the locker room after the victory over Novorizontino. Vojvoda assessed that both players would contribute with their respective roles.
Moreover, Neymar is slowly recovering from his injury. He underwent a minor surgery on his left knee on December 22, 2025 to address a meniscus problem.
"Neymar is fine. I'm happy because I see him happy. There were people who doubted Neymar last year. He, in difficult moments, even though his physical condition was declining, showed commitment."
"I know what all of Brazil expects from Neymar, but I expect the same for Santos. And he recovered at a good pace," Vojvoda said of Neymar's condition.
Neymar is expected to return to action ahead of the start of the Brazilian Serie A later this month.
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