Rewritten Content
Reflecting back to the end of January, Estevan made a few brief substitute appearances but was seen as a promising talent who could be part of Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. Neymar was feeling optimistic, returning to Santos, the club where his journey began, as he aimed for a final chance at World Cup success.
Now, ten months later, much has transformed. Estevan has risen rapidly, earning his first start in Brazil during Carlo Ancelotti’s inaugural match, and has strongly asserted himself as a contender for the World Cup squad by scoring five goals between September and November.
His stunning goal with his weaker foot in a 3-0 UEFA Champions League victory over Barcelona highlighted why Chelsea may have secured one of Brazil’s most gifted players since Neymar.
Meanwhile, Neymar’s 2025 has been forgettable, worsened by news of a potential absence from the final three matches of the season due to a knee injury. Santos’ struggles in the relegation zone only compound his disappointment.
Perhaps there were too many expectations stemming from Santos’ illustrious past. The club gained fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s, led by the legendary Pele. Fast forward to the 21st century, Neymar’s rise brought renewed hope, particularly following their Copa Libertadores victory in 2011. Yet for a club from a city with less than 500,000 residents, this rich history brings its own pressure. Economic challenges make it tough for Santos to compete, and in 2023, the team faced relegation for the first time ever, the first season after Pele’s passing. Despite props for Neymar’s return, hopes of championship contention proved overly ambitious.
Neymar’s attempt to regain his form after a serious knee injury sustained during an October 2023 match has been tumultuous. After leaving Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal due to the coach’s refusal to register him, he struggled to get back on track. As of early 2025, his performance remained uncertain, unable to achieve consistent match fitness.
His muscle issues became evident after a long stint away, and following a few Serie A games in April, injuries plagued him again. After missing critical games, he returned for only a brief stretch before succumbing to another knee injury that ended his season prematurely.
In the limited time he played across 17 out of 35 rounds, Neymar still demonstrated his keen passing abilities and set-piece skills but lacked the dribbling finesse that once defined his game. His inability to evade defenders raised concerns about his utility within Santos, culminating in a dismal 6-0 loss to Vasco da Gama, which ultimately led to the coach’s dismissal. New manager Juan Pablo Vojvoda sought to reposition Neymar as a free-roaming center-forward, allowing him to contribute creatively without significant defensive duties. While this tactic occasionally yielded results, including a recent goal against Mirasol, scoring just three league goals left much to be desired for Brazil’s all-time leading scorer.
Neymar’s return has been punctuated with frustration, often bordering on boiling over. His conflicts on the pitch, including a recent incident following a substitution that coincided with his team’s comeback, reflect a growing tension. Once a beloved teammate, he now faces scrutiny as he approaches the end of the season.
If Santos faces relegation, questions surrounding Neymar’s cost-effectiveness will arise, and it becomes unclear if the club can sustain his contract. A return to the second division would severely reduce his chances of playing for Brazil again, possibly necessitating a hurried adjustment to another team.
Neymar’s career has been a rollercoaster, filled with dazzling moments. If he wishes to avoid watching Estevan flourish during the 2026 World Cup from the sidelines, he must find a way to evolve his game immediately.
Fan Take
This news matters because it highlights the contrasting fates of rising stars like Estevan and established players like Neymar, showcasing the dynamic nature of soccer careers. Fans should pay attention, as these developments could influence not only club successes but also the composition of national squads in upcoming tournaments, altering the landscape of the sport.
