Will Neymar Jr Play in Santos vs Macara CONMEBOL Sudamericana 2026 Match?
Neymar Jr led Santos FC to a crucial 2-1 victory over CD Macará in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana 2026 Round of 16 clash on August 13, 2026. Played at Estádio Urbano Caldeira, the match saw goals from Gabriel Barbosa and a decisive penalty from Neymar Jr, securing a vital first-leg lead for Santos.
Brazilian forward Neymar Jr is expected to feature for Santos FC as they host Ecuadorian side CSD Macará in the first leg of their CONMEBOL Sudamericana round of 16 tie at the Urbano Caldeira Stadium on Friday, 14 August 2026 at 3:30 AM IST in India. The 34-year-old star, who rejoined his boyhood club in January 2025, remains available for selection following recent appearances in both domestic and continental matches. Lionel Messi Makes Emotional Return for Inter Miami in Leagues Cup 2026 Days After Father Jorge’s Death (Watch Video).
Team News and Squad Selection
Neymar has been integrated into head coach Cuca’s squad following a sequence of matches across the Campeonato Brasileiro, Copa do Brasil, and continental competition. The forward featured off the bench in the previous round during Santos's playoff victory over Venezuelan club Universidad Central.
Santos advanced to the last 16 after completing an 8–3 aggregate victory over Universidad Central in the playoffs, having finished as runners-up in Group D. Neymar has scored two goals in the competition so far this season, both coming during group stage matches against Recoleta. Striker Gabriel Barbosa leads the club's scoring in the tournament with four goals. Erling Haaland Stickers Found on 469 kg Cocaine Haul Seized by Ecuadorian Police.
Match Context and Pursuit of Continental Title
CSD Macará enter the tie as the surprise undefeated winners of Group A. The first leg will take place at Santos’s home ground in Vila Belmiro, with the return leg scheduled for 20 August in Ambato, Ecuador.
The CONMEBOL Sudamericana represents a notable objective for both Santos and Neymar. Whilst Neymar previously won the CONMEBOL Libertadores in 2011 and the Recopa Sudamericana in 2012 during his first spell at Santos, the Sudamericana remains the only major South American club trophy missing from his career record
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 13, 2026 02:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
