Neymar made a memorable return for Santos on Saturday, scoring twice as the Brazilian club fought back to earn a 2-2 draw against Chapecoense in a crucial Serie A relegation battle.
The 34-year-old was making his first appearance after a two-and-a-half-month injury layoff and quickly reminded fans of his quality with a match-saving brace.
His celebrations attracted almost as much attention as his goals.
After opening the scoring, Neymar mimicked dealing playing cards before celebrating his second goal by pretending to swing a golf club with the corner flag, gestures widely viewed as playful responses to recent criticism over his lifestyle.
The Brazil legend came under renewed scrutiny earlier this week after taking part in a poker tournament while Santos were away in Venezuela for a Copa Sudamericana fixture.
Despite Neymar’s heroics, Santos remain in a difficult position, sitting just one point above the Brazilian Serie A relegation zone following the draw with bottom club Chapecoense.
The match also marked a new chapter in Neymar’s career after he recently announced his retirement from international football following Brazil’s Round of 16 exit at the FIFA World Cup.
As Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, Neymar now shifts his full attention to helping Santos secure top-flight survival after returning from injury in impressive fashion.
