Santos secured its place in Brazil’s Serie A on Sunday with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Cruzeiro, capping a dramatic season that saw the club avoid a second relegation in its storied history. The win, played out at Vila Belmiro Stadium, confirmed the team’s 12th-place finish with 47 points and marked a triumphant end to a challenging campaign for both the club and its star forward, Neymar.

Thaciano struck twice in quick succession, scoring in the 26th and 28th minutes, while João Schmidt sealed the result with a goal in the 60th. But beyond the scoreline, the afternoon carried personal significance for Neymar, who has battled persistent knee issues since suffering a torn ACL in October 2023 during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.

Neymar, who returned to Santos in January after the club’s promotion back to the top division, played a decisive role in the final stretch of the season. Despite featuring in only 19 of the 38 league rounds, he contributed eight goals, including a crucial strike in a 3-0 win over Sport Recife and a stunning hat-trick against Juventude. On Sunday, even without finding the net, he was a key playmaker in guiding Santos to safety.

After the match, the 33-year-old confirmed he will undergo surgery on his left knee. “I came for this, to try to help the best way I can. These have been tough weeks for me,” Neymar said. “I thank those who were with me to lift me up. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have played these matches because of these injuries, this knee problem. I need to rest, and then we will have this knee surgery.”

While Neymar did not provide further details about the procedure, his determination remains evident. He continues to harbor hopes of returning to the Brazilian national team for the 2026 World Cup, although coach Carlo Ancelotti has yet to select him since taking over in May.

Santos’ survival brings relief to a club deeply connected to global football history, having produced Pelé and endured its first-ever relegation in 2023, just months after the legend’s passing. As the season closes, Flamengo celebrates its own achievements, securing its ninth Brazilian league title earlier in the week with a 1-0 win over Ceará and adding a Copa Libertadores trophy to its successful campaign.

For Santos, however, the story of the season ends with resilience, revival, and renewed hope, led by a hometown hero determined to rise again.