Yesterday's zero, today's hero: Neymar responds to critics with Santos double

Neymar's lack of goals recently have given his critics plenty of ammunition to write him off but the winger ended his drought in style with a double in Santos’ 2-1 league win over Vasco da Gama, boosting his hopes of making Brazil's World Cup squad.

Before Thursday's game, the 34-year-old last scored in December and after recently returning from knee surgery, he is still working towards peak fitness.

"Last week they said I was the worst player in the world. Today I scored two goals, and that's what matters," Neymar told SporTV.

"That's football. One day you're no good or you're 'retired'; the next, people say you have to go to the World Cup.

"This was my third game of the year and only my second full 90 minutes. I felt some cramping at the end, but that's just part of the process."

Brazil’s all-time leading scorer has not featured for the national team since October 2023 amid a horror run of injuries and coach Carlo Ancelotti has said he will only pick players who are 100% game-ready.

The World Cup will be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States from June 11 to July 19.