Neymar answered weeks of doubt with two ruthless finishes and a pointed message to his critics as Santos beat Vasco da Gama 2-1 in the Brasileirão, the forward’s first goals since returning from major surgery.

Arriving back at the Vila Belmiro under intense scrutiny over his fitness and form, the Brazil star produced the kind of performance that once made him the face of his national team. Operating as Santos’ creative hub and finisher, he struck in each half, dragging his boyhood club to a vital win and reigniting debate over his place in Brazil’s World Cup plans.

Speaking after the final whistle, Neymar made it clear he had heard the noise around him and was in no mood to play it down. “Last week they said I was the worst player in the world. Today I scored two goals, and that’s what matters. That’s football. One day you’re no good or you’re ‘retired’; the next, people say you have to go to the World Cup.”

The forward has been on a carefully managed comeback after surgery early in the year, with this only his third appearance and second full 90 minutes. “I’m dedicating myself and working to get in the best possible shape. I felt some cramping at the end, but that’s just part of the process,” he said, framing the brace as a step rather than a destination.

Neymar’s first goal, a composed finish in the 25th minute, was followed by a celebration loaded with symbolism. Sprinting to the corner flag, he broke into the same dance Vinícius Júnior used after scoring in Real Madrid’s Champions League playoff against Benfica, a nod to his compatriot and a reminder that Brazilian flair still runs through the national team’s attacking core.

Vasco equalised before the interval, but Neymar restored Santos’ lead in the second half, timing his run perfectly to bury the winner and send the home crowd into delirium.

The night was not without tension. A flashpoint with Vasco midfielder Thiago Mendes briefly threatened to overshadow the spectacle, reopening an old wound from a heavy challenge in a PSG-Lyon clash years earlier. “He always wants to cause trouble and act tough. He already broke me once at PSG, and he threatened me again today. It’s always the same with him,” Neymar said, his irritation evident.

For all the friction, the lasting image was of Neymar, arms outstretched, soaking in the noise. After a goal drought stretching back to his double against Juventude late last year, the message was unmistakable: he is not done yet, and he intends to decide his own ending.