Neymar remains tight-lipped on future at Santos after slamming hat-trick to pull club out of relegation zone

Neymar struck thrice on Wednesday in Santos’ thumping 3-0 victory over Juventude in the penultimate round of the Brazilian top division league Brasileirão. The victory helped Santos boost their chances of avoiding relegation to the second division.

Neymar, playing with a knee injury, showed his class in a three-goal burst in 17 minutes in the second half. The Brazillian struck in the 56th minute to give his side lead and then doubled it just 10 minutes later. In the 73rd minute, Santos were awarded a penalty and Neymar then completed his hat-trick from the spot.

This is his first hat-trick since April 2022, when he achieved the feat for his Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain against Clermont.

However, he chose to remain tight-lipped about his future at his boyhood club.

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‘I don’t know,’ says Neymar on Santos future

After the match, the former Barcelona and PSG star said he is currently focussing on finishing the season and remained tight-lipped on whether he will extend his stay in Brazil or not.

“I don’t know, honestly. First, I want to finish this season and then think about it. Santos always comes first,” he said.

On playing with injury, Neymar said that he would not do anything that will harm his career and the issue is manageable.

“I’m very happy for the goals and for helping Santos. We’re happy for the win. There’s one game left, and we have to give our all at Vila again,” he said. “I always prioritize my health-nothing that would harm my career. It’s manageable, something I’ve been dealing with for years. I’m doing everything to reach 100%. Scoring the goals today made me really happy.”

“I’ve always been Neymar in every match, regardless of the situation. Sometimes things don’t go as planned-because of the team’s form or injuries-but I’ve always shown up. I know what I can do on the pitch and always aim to give my best,” he added.

Santos out of relegation zone

Victory on Wednesday helped Santos move two points out of the relegation zone. With only one game remaining in the season, the win over Juventude boosts their chances of avoiding dropping down the second division once again.

Santos, an iconic club for which the legendary Pele played at his peak, will now play the third-placed Cruzeiro in their final league game. A win their would confirm their place in the top division for next season.