Having been managed cautiously by the medical staff since his return to Vila Belmiro, the 34-year-old forward showed no signs of rust as he converted a clinical effort in the opening half.

The goal electrified the home supporters and served as a reminder of his enduring quality as Santos look to climb the Brasileirao standings with their superstar back at full fitness.

Having recently returned to action after a 70-day hiatus in Santos’ 6-0 victory over Velo Clube, Neymar is enjoying his first start of the season. The Brazilian forward underwent surgery on his left meniscus in December 2025 and has been undergoing a rigorous rehabilitation process since the turn of the year.

But the Brazilian icon was not finished making his mark on his return to the starting XI. With the match deadlocked at 1-1, the Santos number 10 stepped up once again to act as the hero, finding the back of the net to restore his side’s lead against Vasco da Gama.

Neymar eyes 100% fitness ahead of defining 2026 season

Despite missing the opening matches of 2026, Neymar was instrumental in keeping Santos in the first division throughout 2025. During that campaign, he appeared in 28 matches, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists, proving to be the catalyst for the club’s top-flight survival.

Reflecting on his recent cautious approach to his recovery, the 34-year-old forward emphasized the importance of patience. “I wanted to return this season at 100%, which is why I was cautious in some matches and held back a little. Santos created an excellent plan that helped me significantly in that regard,” Neymar explained during an interview with the Brazilian outlet CazeTV.

With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Neymar’s primary objective is to secure a spot in the squad led by Carlo Ancelotti. However, he is acutely aware that reaching his peak physical condition is a prerequisite for a national team recall.

“Obviously, I wanted to come back and help my team in the best way possible, but I waited so I could return at 100%, without pain or fear,” he added. “With hard work and perseverance, I believe I will reach my peak form. That is what moves us, and that is what I want”.

[Watch Vasco da Gama vs Corinthians live in the USA on Fubo]

The Copa do Brasil final sets up a must-see clash between two clubs looking to put a stamp on their 2025 seasons. Corinthians finished 13th in the Brasileirao to secure a Copa Sudamericana place.

On the other hand, Vasco da Gama narrowly stayed clear of relegation and also earned continental qualification . With a national title and late-season momentum on the line, both sides enter with everything to play for and no margin for error.

When will the Vasco da Gama vs Corinthians match be played?

Vasco da Gama will take on Corinthians in the second leg of the 2025 Copa do Brasil final this Sunday, December 21. The match is set to kick off at 4:00 PM (ET).

Vasco da Gama vs Corinthians: Time by State in the USA

ET: 4:00 PM
CT: 3:00 PM
MT: 2:00 PM
PT: 1:00 PM

How to watch Vasco da Gama vs Corinthians in the USA

This 2025 Copa do Brasil game between Vasco da Gama and Corinthians will be broadcast live in the USA on Fubo. Other options: TV Globo Internacional, FOX Deportes, Premiere, FOX One.

[Watch Vasco da Gama vs Fluminense live in the USA on Fubo]

The first leg of this rivalry showdown brings two clubs heading in opposite directions, each still hunting their only shot at silverware in 2025. Fluminense finished the year strong with a Copa Libertadores berth and an impressive Club World Cup run, but the pressure remains to turn momentum into a trophy.

Vasco da Gama, on the other hand, limp in after a season spent near the relegation line, hoping this matchup can rescue their campaign and deliver a much-needed statement to close out the year.

When will the Vasco da Gama vs Fluminense match be played?

Vasco da Gama will face Fluminense in the first leg of the 2025 Copa do Brasil semifinal this Thursday, December 11. The match is set to kick off at 6:00 PM (ET).

Vasco da Gama vs Fluminense: Time by State in the USA

ET: 6:00 PM
CT: 5:00 PM
MT: 4:00 PM
PT: 3:00 PM

How to watch Vasco da Gama vs Fluminense in the USA

This 2025 Copa do Brasil game between Vasco da Gama and Fluminense will be broadcast live in the USA on Fubo. Other options: Premiere and FOX Deportes.

This loss marked the worst defeat of Neymar’s career, a devastating blow as Santos continue their fight to avoid relegation. The No. 10 left the field in tears and had to be consoled by head coach Fernando Diniz. To make matters worse, Neymar picked up his third yellow card of the season, which rules him out of the next match against Bahia.

Santos now sit on 21 points in 15th place, slipping dangerously close to the relegation zone. The result also had immediate consequences off the field, as head coach Cleber Xavier was dismissed by the club’s board right after the final whistle.

What Neymar said after the match

After the game, Neymar did not hide his frustration. “I’m embarrassed. I’m totally disappointed with our performance,” he told reporters. “The fans have every right to protest, obviously without violence… But if they want to curse and insult us, they are in their right.”

“It’s an extreme shame. I had never experienced something like this in my life. Unfortunately, it happened,” he continued. Asked about his tears, Neymar admitted: “The tears were from anger, from everything. Unfortunately, I can’t help at all. Honestly, it was total crap — that’s the reality.”

Neymar’s worst defeats in his career

Since turning professional in 2009 under head coach Vagner Mancini, Neymar has worn the shirts of Santos, Barcelona, PSG, Al Hilal and the Brazil national team. Until now, the heaviest defeat he had experienced was 4-0, which happened twice.

The first came with Santos in the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup final against Barcelona. More than five years later, while at Barcelona, Neymar was on the pitch for a Champions League 4-0 defeat to PSG.

Beyond those, all other losses in his career came by narrower margins. Some may point to Brazil’s infamous 7-1 World Cup semifinal defeat to Germany in 2014, but Neymar did not play in that match. Despite being the centerpiece of that Brazil team, he had been ruled out after suffering an injury in the quarterfinal against Colombia.

[Watch Corinthians vs America live for FREE in the USA on Fubo]

Independiente del Valle head into the second leg firmly in control after a dominant 4-0 win at home, making them the clear favorite to advance. While the Ecuadorian side holds a commanding advantage, they’ll need to stay focused to avoid any slip-ups on the road.

Vasco da Gama face an uphill battle but will count on their home crowd to inspire a dramatic comeback as they attempt to erase the four-goal deficit and pull off a stunning turnaround.

When will the Vasco da Gama vs Independiente del Valle match be played?

This 2025 Copa Sudameriana match will be played on Tuesday, July 22, with Vasco da Gama facing Independiente del Valle in the second leg of the knockout round play-offs. The clash is scheduled to kick off at 8:30 PM (ET).

Vasco da Gama vs Independiente del Valle: Time by State in the USA

ET: 8:30 PM
CT: 7:30 PM
MT: 6:30 PM
PT: 5:30 PM

How to watch Vasco da Gama vs Independiente del Valle in the USA

This 2025 Copa Sudamericana showdown between Vasco da Gama and Independiente del Valle will be available to USA viewers on Fubo, which offers a free trial. Fans can also catch the action on Fanatiz USA, beIN SPORTS.

Santos are set to make its long-awaited return to Brazil’s top flight, bringing one of the country’s most historic clubs back to Serie A. Fans are eager for a triumphant comeback, hoping for a victory that echoes the club’s storied past.

Neymar and company will aim to start strong against Vasco da Gama, a team that finished mid-table last season with 10 points, just three shy of a Copa Libertadores qualifying spot. Vasco, determined to improve on its 2024 campaign, will look to open the season with a statement win.

When will the Vasco da Gama vs Santos match be played?

Vasco da Gama play against Santos in a Matchday 1 clash of the Brasileirao 2025 this Sunday, March 30. The match is set to kick off at 5:30 PM (ET).

Vasco da Gama vs Santos: Time by State in the USA

ET: 5:30 PM

CT: 4:30 PM

MT: 3:30 PM

PT: 2:30 PM

How to watch Vasco da Gama vs Santos in the USA

This Brasileirao 2025 game between Vasco da Gama and Santos will be broadcast live in the USA on Premiere.

Unfortunately, his smooth-soled shoes didn’t offer the traction he needed, and he ended up slipping and fracturing his ankle. A stretcher had to come to his rescue, turning what was meant to be a fun moment into an unexpected mishap.

The promotion, which typically rewards fans with prizes, went awry when the fan’s penalty kick ended with a trip to the hospital, as the fan was stretchered off the pitch while speaking to someone on his cellphone.

Vasco’s Copa Do Brasil game turned viral after fan injured in marketing stunt

The fan who took a long lead up to kick the penalty slid on the wet surface and pulled something as he stayed down until the medical staff came and took him off.

The game itself was a nail-biter, with Vasco da Gama edging out Atlético Goianiense 1-0 at home in the second leg of their Round of 16 tie. With this win, Vasco da Gama advanced to the quarterfinals with a 2-1 aggregate score.

The Argentine team continues its set-up and for this they seek to measure themselves against strong Conmebol teams. River Plate begin to go through the Post-Marcelo Gallardo era and trust their new coach Martin Demichelis to be able to have a cycle as successful as that of the previous coach.

Their rivals are a historic team from the Brasileirao, but in recent years they have had some problems: Vasco da Gama are undoubtedly a team with history, but they had to fight too hard to return to the highest division of Brazilian soccer. They did it this year and they are confident they will do well to stay there.

River Plate vs Vasco da Gama: Kick-Off Time

River Plate will play against Vasco da Gama in what will be an international Southamericans clubs friendly this Tuesday, January 16 at the Orlando City Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

Argentina: 9:00 PM
Brazil: 9:00 PM
Costa Rica: 6:00 PM
Ecuador: 7:00 PM
Mexico: 6:00 PM
Nicaragua: 6:00 PM
Panama: 6:00 PM
Uruguay: 9:00 PM

River Plate vs Vasco da Gama: TV Channel and Live Streaming

Argentina: Star+
Brazil: Star+
Costa Rica: Star+
Ecuador: Star+
Mexico: Star+
Nicaragua: Star+
Panama: Star+
Uruguay: Star+