Neymar’s Struggles Continue as Santos Falls to Internacional, Vojvoda Dismissed

Santos suffered a 2-1 defeat against Internacional on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, despite a goal from Neymar. The loss has intensified pressure on the club and led to the swift dismissal of head coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda.

Match Recap

Internacional took the lead early in the second half with an own goal from Zé Ivaldo. Neymar equalized for Santos with a penalty kick, briefly reigniting hopes for a comeback. However, Johan Carbonero scored a late goal for Internacional in stoppage time, securing a 2-1 victory.

Neymar’s Performance and Ancelotti’s Decision

Neymar’s performance drew criticism, with reports suggesting he appeared tense and struggled to impact the game effectively. This performance comes after he was not included in Carlo Ancelotti’s recent Brazil national team roster for friendlies, raising questions about his current form, and fitness. He was chosen as ‘best on the field’ by media outlets, but refused to speak after the match, acknowledging the poor performance.

Vojvoda’s Departure and Potential Replacement

Following the defeat, Santos president Marcelo Teixeira made the decision to relieve Juan Pablo Vojvoda of his duties. Vojvoda had a 42% success rate during his tenure, managing 34 games with 10 wins, 14 draws, and 10 defeats. Rumors immediately surfaced linking former Santos coach Cuca to the vacant position, despite facing past controversy. Cuca has a strong relationship with both Teixeira and executive Alexandre Mattos.

Santos’ Financial and League Situation

Santos is currently facing significant financial difficulties, with reported debts exceeding R$1.1 billion. The club sits just one point above the relegation zone in the Brazilian Championship, intensifying the pressure to improve results. They were also eliminated from the Paulista Championship in the quarterfinals.

Looking Ahead

Internacional’s win marked their first victory in the Brasileirão, moving them to 17th place with 5 points. Santos remains in 16th place with 6 points. Santos has 15 games remaining before Ancelotti announces his final World Cup squad. The club, potentially under new management, faces a challenging task to avoid relegation and potentially support Neymar’s bid for World Cup selection.