Neymar's decline in form is closing the door to the 2026 World Cup.
Making his first start since September, Neymar witnessed Santos lose 0-3 to Flamengo. He only scored 3 goals in 15 Serie A matches in the 2025/26 season and was not called up by Ancelotti in November.
Neymar returned to Santos' starting lineup for the first time since September, but the team still lost 0-3 to Flamengo last weekend. His lackluster club form – just 3 goals in 15 Serie A matches in 2025/26 – is making his chances of participating in the 2026 World Cup seem slim, as coach Carlo Ancelotti did not call him up for the November squad.
Highlights of the Santos 0-3 Flamengo match
Despite being included in the starting lineup, Neymar spent a significant amount of time dropping deep, even near the center-back area, to participate in the build-up play. However, Santos' attacking effectiveness did not improve. In the 85th minute, he left the field in frustration, and the match ended with a 0-3 defeat for Santos. After the match, Neymar stated that the referee "threatened him," reflecting the psychological pressure he was experiencing.
The data shows a downward trend.
The numbers clarify Neymar's current situation: in Serie A 2025/26, he has 3 goals and 0 assists in 15 matches. Across all competitions this season, his contribution stands at 6 goals and 3 assists. Since the 2022 World Cup, he has only played a total of 43 matches, with his goal-scoring efficiency declining significantly after leaving the European environment.
| Stage/Club | Achievements |
|---|---|
| Barcelona + PSG | 223 goals, 155 assists (1.22 goals/90 minutes) |
| Al-Hilal + Santos | 0.56 goals/90 minutes |
| Serie A 2025/26 | 3 goals, 0 assists/15 matches |
| All competitions this season | 6 goals, 3 assists |
Santos is in crisis, and the consequences are affecting Neymar.
Santos returned to Serie A this season but are currently in the relegation zone, two points behind safety. They are on a five-match winless streak and have six challenging games remaining, including a match against Palmeiras. In this context, Neymar's contribution has not yet had a significant impact.
Brazilian football expert Thiago Rabelo (Transfermarkt) commented: “Santos is in a serious financial and management crisis… Almost everything at the club is malfunctioning.” He also suggested that Neymar currently “lacks speed, cannot get past defenders, and is struggling with both his fitness and technique.”
Tactical analysis: When Neymar has to drop deep
Neymar's frequent dropping deep to receive the ball and orchestrate play reveals Santos' lack of midfield cohesion and reflects his personal adjustments during a period of declining speed. Without the explosive runs into space he once made, the role of playmaker became his natural choice, but the results haven't lived up to expectations.
The door to the 2026 World Cup is closing.
Neymar's main goal is to participate in the 2026 World Cup with the Brazilian national team. However, coach Carlo Ancelotti excluded him from the November squad, emphasizing that he would only be called up if Neymar reaches peak form in a truly competitive environment. Neymar's contract with Santos expires in December 2025; he is expected to leave if the team is relegated. A desire to return to Europe has been mentioned, but currently "no major club has expressed serious interest."
Nevertheless, Brazil captain Casemiro maintained his belief: “For me, Neymar is an indispensable player in any national team… If he regains his form, Neymar will be extremely important for us at the World Cup.”
The deciding factor
- Current form at Santos (goal output, fitness).
- The level of competition in the league and the role within the tactical system.
- Coach Carlo Ancelotti's personnel decisions for the upcoming training camps.
From the attacking icon of the Selecao to a turning point where he must adapt, Neymar still has time but not much room for error. Everything now depends on whether he can produce a convincing run of form in the final stages of the season with Santos.
