Dribble Diaries

Philippe Coutinho delivered an unforgettable performance as Vasco da Gama demolished Santos 6-0 in the Brazilian Serie A , drawing global headlines and sending shockwaves through Brazilian football. From a tactical masterclass to dramatic emotional fallout, here’s a deep-dive into the match’s key takeaways and what Coutinho’s scintillating form means for him and Vasco. 1. The Context: Pressure, Rivalry, and Relegation Peril This was not just any regular league encounter. Vasco da Gama and Santos, both iconic Brazilian clubs, have endured turbulent seasons, finding themselves alarmingly close to the relegation zone. The stakes compounded encourage with the nearness of geniuses: Neymar , back at Santos after a storied career in Europe, confronted his ex-Brazil colleague Philippe Coutinho, as of late returned to start his boyhood club Vasco. Santos’ form was dire, while Vasco clung to hope. Flamengo , meanwhile, remained comfortable leaders, with both rivals battling for survival, prid...

After nearly 12 years, Neymar returns to compete in the Brasileirão. This Sunday (13), the star began the second half of Fluminense x Santos at Maracanã for the third round of the national championship. Neymar last appeared in the competition in May 2013, in a 0-0 tie against Peixe and Flamengo at Estádio Mané Garrincha in Brasília. Following that, he moved to Barcelona and pursued a career in Europe. The Maracanã stadium holds special significance for Neymar. The star made his professional debut in the "Biggest in the World" in 2009, defeating Fluminense 4-1. Furthermore, it was at the legendary stadium where Neymar scored the game-winning penalty that secured Brazil's first Olympic gold medal at the Rio 2016 Games. The number 10's last game at Maraca came on March 24, 2022, when Brazil defeated Chile 4-0, with goals from Vini Jr, Coutinho, Richarlison, and Neymar himself. However, Maracanã does not simply have positive memories for Neymar. Argentina defea...

Barcelona has recently been linked with a reunion with Neymar Junior in the summer, as the Brazilian superstar is out of contract. One of the big questions about doing so is whether the 33-year-old still has the commitment and professionalism that Barcelona requires, especially after only two months in Sao Paulo and his first controversy at Santos. Neymar was spotted last week at a carnival in Rio de Janeiro with his pregnant partner Bruna Biancardi, as well as Santos teammates Yeferson Soteldo, Tomas Rincon, and Joao Basso. However, on Sunday, Neymar was unavailable for Santos' semi-final match against Corinthians in the Sao Paulo State Championship, his only chance to win a trophy with the club. Fans reacted angrily, accusing him of deliberately missing the game, according to Sport. However, Neymar used Instagram to defend himself, writing the following in a story. "I just wanted to help my teammates on the pitch today..." However, I experienced some discomfort...

Nearly 17 months after suffering a knee injury against Uruguay that sidelined him for over a year, Neymar Jr. has returned to the Brazil national team. Following a failed stint in the Saudi Pro League with Al Hilal, Neymar returned to his childhood club, Santos FC. Since returning to Brazil, the 33-year-old has played in seven games, scoring six goals in his last four. Neymar is the Seleçao's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, and he is second only to Cafu as the most capped player of the world's most successful national team. The former Barcelona player has made his desire to compete in his fourth FIFA World Cup in 2026 abundantly clear. Brazil manager Dorival Júnior announced his full squad on live TV. Neymar posted a picture on Instagram of himself watching the broadcast with the caption, "Happy to be back." Without their leader and star player, Brazil struggled in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. The Seleçao is currently ranked fifth in the standings,...

The Santos matchup on Sunday (9) is just for the Campeonato Paulista's qualifying phase. However, it raises high expectations, particularly in light of Neymar's participation. The striker is expected to start against Novorizontino for the first time in almost a year. The last time he started a game was 481 days ago with the Brazilian National Team. On October 17, 2023, Neymar started in a World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay. He was forced to leave the field before halftime owing to a major injury to his left knee. Since then, he has only appeared on the pitch three times: twice for Al-Hilal and once for Santos, always from the bench. In none of these games did he directly contribute to a goal. Al-Ain 4 x 5 Al-Hilal October 21, 2024. Neymar came off the bench in the 32nd minute of the second half. Al-Hilal defeated Esteghlal 3–0 on November 4, 2024. Neymar came off the bench in the 13th minute of the second half. He had to be replaced approximately a half hour ...

A Brazilian superstar could be set for a sensational comeback after a shocking update on Neymar's future on Sunday. According to Brazilian outlets, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, and MLS insider Tom Bogert, the 32-year-old will leave Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal for Santos FC, where he began his career. The two clubs are reportedly "close to a loan deal" that would allow Neymar to return to his home country for six months. The news comes after the former Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain ace was linked with a move to Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire. A Santos FC-focused outlet in Brazil claims, "The player made it clear to his father and agents that he wanted to return to the club that started his career." However, Globo adds that financial details still need to be worked out before the deal can be finalized. "There is about 65 million dollars outstanding for Neymar to receive from Al-Hilal and the player does not give up this amount at this time, al...

Neymar is expected to make a spectacular comeback to Brazil in January. According to a South American source published on Sunday, the 32-year-old is set to join with his former club Santos. Neymar progressed through the Santos ranks and made his debut in 2009, scoring 107 goals in 177 games. The veteran forward may make a surprise return to São Paulo, bringing his career full circle. Leaving PSG in the summer of 2023, the Brazilian might return to his boyhood club Santos after joining Al-Hilal and suffering two significant injuries in a row, leaving both Al-Hilal and Neymar disappointed. Brazilian journalist Cesar Luis Merlo, a respected source for all things transfer in his home country, has stated that an agreement has been reached between the player and Santos, with the termination of his Al-Hilal contract in the works. Neymar joined the Saudi club in 2023, but he has only played three games due to an ACL injury sustained last year.