Match story
- Bahia fired more attempts (13 vs 9 shots).
- Bahia was more accurate in front of goal (38% on target vs 11%).
- Santos held more of the ball (55% possession).
Bahia and Santos drew 1-1 in Copa Do Brasil. The fixture is part of the Round of 16 stage in the 2023 season. The match was played at Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, Bahia. Bruno Arleu de Araujo officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Bahia vs Santos meeting in Copa Do Brasil with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Bahia and Santos. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Copa Do BrasilRecorded meetings: 17 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Neymar received a special tribute at Santos stadium with a bust and a statue, now turning alongside Pele as the two players to have specific tribute areas in the museum. Neymar’s legendary career is entering its final chapter following his recent retirement from the Brazilian national team, but his legacy at the club level is already set in stone. The superstar forward has officially been immortalized at Vila Belmiro Stadium, where Santos unveiled a dedicated museum exhibit featuring a custom bust and statue, placing him alongside all-time icon Pelé with a permanent tribute area. On Thursday, July 30, Santos inaugurated a newly designed wing honoring Neymar Jr. inside the Memorial das Conquistas (Memorial of Achievements), the museum located inside the club’s iconic stadium. The brand-new attraction showcases a bronze bust, a statue, and an autographed blue Santos No. 10 jersey. It was a landmark day for soccer fans worldwide and a deeply personal homecoming for the former Menino da Vila (“Village Boy“). Santos FC officially opened the dedicated space to celebrate the career of the idol long affectionately referred to by local supporters as the “Prince of the Vila.“ Renato Guedes, the lead sculptor behind the artwork, reflected on the challenge of capturing the essence of a living legend. “The intention was always not just to portray the athlete, but to portray the role model he is for the new generation, for the boys who dream of playing football and will see in him the benchmark of futebol arte (beautiful game),” Guedes stated in the club’s official website. Neymar expressed his gratitude in an emotional social media post following the ceremony: “Today I was caught by surprise… being honored by your beloved team is incredible. Being part of the history of Santos is an honor! I thank God first and foremost, my family, and the entire Santista nation that supported me from my first steps in SANTOS FC’s youth academy!“ Os bastidores da inauguração do espaço dedicado a Neymar Jr no Memorial das Conquistas. Uma homenagem especial ao nosso Príncipe da Vila! 🔟✨ pic.twitter.com/sDV2iqiQgh— Santos FC (@SantosFC) July 30, 2026 He closed his message by reaffirming his devotion to the club that launched his career. “We’ve had many emotional and unforgettable moments… but we’ve also had bad times, and all of you were by my side. I’m a fan on the pitch, fighting, battling, and giving everything I can at every moment; I’ve made mistakes countless times and I’ll make mistakes again (hopefully not), but always wanting what’s best for Peixão! Thank you, SANTISTA NATION, for everything,” he wrote. Engraved at the base of the bust are Neymar’s major achievements with Santos, including three consecutive Campeonato Paulista titles (2010–2012), the 2010 Copa do Brasil, and the 2011 Copa Libertadores. During his initial run with O Peixe, he also won the 2011 FIFA Puskas Award, scored 136 goals in 225 official matches, and secured the largest transfer fee in club history via his historic €88 million move to FC Barcelona. The Prince joins the King On its official website, Santos formally dubbed Neymar the Príncipe da Vila (“Prince of the Village“), the title bestowed upon him as the heir to O Rei Pele. While the museum features team exhibits honoring historic eras like the 1960s “Os Santásticos” squad and the “Sereias da Vila” women’s team, Neymar and Pele stand as the only two individual players with dedicated personal galleries inside the facility. Pelé’s legendary gallery, known as “The King’s Space,” houses iconic memorabilia including game-worn jerseys, boots, personal trophies, and a symbolic crown and scepter honoring his status as soccer royalty. It also features his personal locker, which has remained locked and untouched since his final match for Santos in 1974, one of the most sacred sites at Vila Belmiro.
Following his latest announcement, discussions have emerged over how one of the nation's greatest players could be honored after bringing an extraordinary international career to an end. Neymar’s remarkable journey with Brazil may have reached its conclusion on the pitch, but another memorable chapter could still be waiting. Following his latest announcement, discussions have emerged over how one of the nation’s greatest players could be honored after bringing an extraordinary international career to an end. While his focus now remains on club soccer, the conversation surrounding his legacy continues to grow. The Brazilian star leaves behind a career filled with unforgettable moments, individual records and emotional highs and lows. His influence stretched across more than a decade, helping shape an era for the national team while becoming one of the most recognizable faces in world soccer. The 34-year-old officially ended any remaining speculation after Santos defeated Universidad Central 4-2 in the Copa Sudamericana. Speaking after the match, Neymar made it clear that he has no intention of returning to represent Brazil following the country’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup. “My time with the national team is over. I made history, I was very happy, I gave my blood, my life, I always fought for the yellow jersey, but now I don’t want to anymore,” Neymar said. His comments reinforced the emotional message he first delivered after Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to Norway in the World Cup round of 16. That match saw Neymar come off the bench to score a stoppage-time penalty, a goal that ultimately became the final strike of his international career. Brazil prepares special farewell Although Neymar insists his international days are finished, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is reportedly considering organizing an official farewell match to celebrate his contribution to the Selecao. According to O Globo, discussions are underway, although no date has been established because the forward remains an active player at club level. The proposal remains in its early stages, but it reflects the enormous respect Neymar commands within Brazilian soccer. Rather than allowing his final appearance to come in the disappointment of World Cup elimination, the federation hopes supporters could eventually have the chance to celebrate his achievements on a dedicated occasion. Neymar Jr #10 of Brazil reacts after the 1-2 loss during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. Career filled with records Neymar’s international résumé places him among the greatest players ever to represent Brazil. After making his senior debut in 2010, he accumulated 130 appearances and scored a record 80 goals, surpassing Pelé to become the country’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer. He also became only the second Brazilian after Pele to score in four different FIFA World Cups, finding the net during the 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 editions. Those accomplishments came despite injuries repeatedly interrupting his biggest tournaments. His international journey also included one of Brazilian soccer’s most emotional victories. Neymar captained the national side to its historic first Olympic gold medal at the Rio 2016 Games, scoring during the final before converting the decisive penalty in the shootout against Germany.
Carlo Ancelotti shared his honest thoughs on Neymar's retirement from Brazil national team, as well as the decision include him in the 2026 World Cup roster: "It was the right decision to call him up." Neymar has officially announced his retirement from international soccer 16 years after making his senior debut in 2010, bringing a defining era in Brazil sports history to a close. Following the news, head coach Carlo Ancelotti reflected on the superstar’s decision to walk away, while defending his choice to include the veteran in his final World Cup roster: “It was the right decision to call him up.“ The 2026 World Cup was always envisioned as Neymar’s final international objective, an ambition so driving that he returned to Santos to escape the European spotlight and rebuild his match fitness. But a heartbreaking Round of 16 exit brought a abrupt end to his time with the Selecao, ushering in a changing of the guard as Ancelotti turns his focus toward a total program rebuild ahead of 2030. Speaking Wednesday with ESPN’s Pedro Ivo Almeida, Ancelotti made it clear that a new chapter has arrived for the five-time World Cup champions: “I think that players like Neymar, who already commented yesterday, and with all due respect to his decision. I believe that in history, one generation ends and another has to come, and it has to be better than the last one.” Addressing Neymar specifically, Ancelotti offered a candid assessment of the frustration surrounding the forward’s physical condition heading into the tournament, particularly the lingering injuries that kept him sidelined for the group stage. “The only thing that bothered me is that Neymar could have prepared himself better during that lead-up period. He could have been ready for game one instead of game four. That was the only disappointing part.“ Neymar Jr #10 of Brazil applauds fans Arriving at training camp with muscle discomfort, an MRI revealed a Grade 2 calf strain that ruled Neymar out of Brazil‘s first two group matches against Morocco and Haiti. Still, Ancelotti praised the star’s professionalism, noting his attitude “was perfect,” highlighting his focus on rehab, support for younger teammates, and work ethic in training. “I think he didn’t contribute on a technical level as it was hoped he could, because he couldn’t. But, in terms of attitude, it was a very positive attitude. I have a lot of affection for him, I thanked him for his attitude, for his behavior, and I think it was the right decision to include him on the 26-man roster,” Ancelotti concluded, maintaining that bringing the veteran to North America was no mistake. Ancelotti hints at further roster turnover Since taking charge in May 2025, Ancelotti has demonstrated a commitment to reshaping Brazil’s national team pool, blending emerging domestic talent with experienced veterans. With Neymar moving on, several other longtime pillars are approaching the end of their international careers; while a select few will be retained to provide veteran leadership, others will be phased out entirely. While developing young talent remains the cornerstone of the 2030 cycle, Ancelotti confirmed that a select group of leaders will remain in the fold: “Some of these will be there, obviously. Marquinhos, for example. Alisson, we’ll see. Obviously, we have to look at the young goalkeepers, because there are young goalkeepers who are already playing in the Campeonato Brasileiro, and other very young ones who are playing who could be there.” When asked specifically about stalwarts like Casemiro, Danilo, and Alex Sandro, whose international careers may have reached their natural conclusion in North America, Ancelotti didn’t mince words. “I think so. It is a period that is coming to an end. Obviously, we have to thank all of them, and I have a lot of affection for all of them. But I think the idea that a player over 30 is done means that we have to think about the future,” the Italian stated.
Despite failing to shine at the 2026 World Cup, Carlo Ancelotti has been reaffirmed as Brazil’s head coach. Ahead of the 2030 edition, he has announced the beginning of a new era, making it clear that he will strongly bet on young players. Brazil are coming off a major disappointment at the 2026 World Cup, being eliminated by Norway in the Round of 16. Despite this, they have decided to maintain their strong commitment to Carlo Ancelotti as their coach for the future. Ahead of the 2030 edition, he has already made an important change clear: A new era is beginning. With this, several veterans will end their time with the national team. “We will begin putting together a new team, looking at young players, but without ruling out some of the soccer players who were at the World Cup and who still have a lot to contribute to the national team,” Ancelotti revealed in a CBF statement. With this in mind, not only will Neymar Jr. leave Brazil, but also some other veterans, betting on young stars as his new project. Carlo Ancelotti could give prominence to Endrick and Rayan as the new future leaders of the attack, alongside Vinicius Jr. In addition, Ederson could have more importance as a defensive midfielder, as Casemiro could leave the project by moving to Inter Miami. However, the biggest changes could come in the full-back positions, as Brazil could bet on talent from the Brazilian league, since Danilo and Douglas Santos are already veterans. Amid the transformation of the project, Ancelotti could keep certain veterans such as Marquinhos, Alisson Becker, and Raphinha. Playing in top European leagues, they remain among the best players in their positions ahead of the 2028 Copa América. However, their presence at the 2030 World Cup would depend on their physical continuity and the level they demonstrate. Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Brazil, chats with his assistant coach Davide Ancelotti. Brazil’s scoring issues become Ancelotti’s biggest challenge Since Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival, Brazil have notably improved their game, solidifying their defense and midfield. With this, they have recovered their impact in CONMEBOL, becoming difficult to score against. However, the Canarinha still have a major problem to solve: The lack of attacking power. With this in mind, there are very few key pieces to redirect the project. Ahead of the 2030 World Cup, Brazil’s biggest hope would become Endrick. Despite still not managing to become a starter, he returns to Real Madrid looking to become a key figure in the future. If he becomes consistent, he could be the starting striker, as he has already shown he can be differential in the collective game and in his goalscoring ability. However, this scenario depends on his evolution throughout his professional career. Matheus Cunha is the favorite option in attack, as he was Ancelotti’s choice at the 2026 World Cup. However, he is not the most prolific goalscorer, so his differential role would be more as an attacking midfielder. Therefore, Igor Thiago seems to have a new opportunity to shine. After disappointing, he can fight in friendly matches to earn his starting spot. For this, he needs to maintain the great level he demonstrated in the Premier League.
Despite failing to shine at the 2026 World Cup, Neymar Jr. has decided to retire from the Brazil national team for good. Although his last few years have not been his best, the 34-year-old star has left a historic legacy on the level of some of soccer’s greatest legends. Despite having been absent from Brazil for several years, Neymar Jr. sought to make a dream return at the 2026 World Cup. However, he failed to become a starter, had little chance to shine, and saw his national team eliminated in the Round of 16. After a few days of silence, the 34-year-old star has openly confirmed his definitive retirement from Brazil. With this, he leaves a legacy on a historic level alongside several soccer legends. “My time with the national team is over. I made history, I was very happy, I gave my blood, my life, I always fought for the yellow shirt, but now I no longer want to do it,” Neymar Jr. revealed after Santos FC’s last match. With this, he puts an end to the numerous calls from fans who wanted him for the 2028 Copa América, making way for a new era led by Carlo Ancelotti. Unlike his previous spells, Neymar Jr. no longer saw himself at his physical peak, battling to play consecutive matches with Brazil. While his talent as an attacking midfielder could be differential, Ancelotti showed that he does not trust him for the new era. Because of this, he decided to step aside, before no longer being called up. In his retirement, the 34-year-old star’s legacy becomes even more impressive. Neymar Jr.’s place among Brazil’s all-time soccer greats Throughout the last few years, Neymar Jr. has been Brazil’s most representative player of the last decade. After making his debut at 18 years old, he remained a regular in every project, being differential as a left winger. With his dribbling and pace, he used to be very influential in the goalscoring aspect. He even remains the all-time top scorer, surpassing Pelé after scoring 80 goals. Neymar of Brazil. Although Neymar Jr. did not manage to win a World Cup or a Copa América, he led Brazil to a Confederations Cup title in 2013 and an Olympic Gold Medal in 2016. In addition, he remained the most differential player in every tournament, shining on his own, but without having a competitive project around him. After playing 130 matches, he is the second player with the most appearances, surpassed only by Cafu. Neymar Jr.’s legacy goes far beyond the statistics. With his vision of the game and generational talent, he inspired numerous players such as Vinicius Jr., Endrick, Rodrygo, Lamine Yamal, and others. Because of this, he was Brazil’s greatest example, with the national team being truly competitive only when he was on the field. With this in mind, he will be remembered as a legend alongside Ronaldo Nazário, Ronaldinho, Romário, Rivaldo, Pelé, and others.
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