# Neymar Returns: Santos vs Chapecoense Lineup Confirmed for Brasileirão Clash
VILA BELMIRO, July 26, 2026 – Neymar is expected to start for Santos FC against Chapecoense in tonight’s Brasileirão match. The 34-year-old forward’s inclusion headlines the confirmed lineups released by both clubs.
Confirmed Lineups: Neymar in Starting XI
Santos FC’s official lineup places Neymar on the left wing in a 4-3-3 formation. The attacking trio includes Neymar, Guilherme, and Marcos Leonardo.
Chapecoense counters with a 4-4-2 defensive setup, prioritizing midfield compactness.
| Position | Santos FC | Chapecoense |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | João Paulo | Airton |
| Defense | Felipe Jonatan, Maicon, Joaquim, Auro | Marcos Vinicius, Fabio, Victor Ramos, Busanello |
| Midfield | Diego Pituca, Rodrigo Fernández, Lucas Lima | Ronaldo, Bruno Silva, Alan Santos, Denner |
| Attack | Neymar, Guilherme, Marcos Leonardo | Anderson, Marcinho |
Data sourced from Yahoo Noticias and Ysscores lineup reports.
The Historia Patria: Santos vs Chapecoense
This rivalry transcends football. It started after Chapecoense’s 2016 air disaster, which killed 71 people, including most of their squad. Santos was among the first clubs to offer support, loaning players and playing friendlies.
The term “patria” (homeland) emerged from this shared tragedy. Both clubs represent resilience. Neymar, then at Barcelona, publicly mourned the victims. He later returned to Santos in 2025, reigniting his connection with this narrative.
Diario del Sur notes that Santos leads head-to-head records with 12 wins, Chapecoense has 4, and draws total 3.
Neymar’s Current Form
Neymar has scored 8 goals and provided 5 assists in 14 Brasileirão appearances this season. His dribbling success rate stands at 62%, highest in the league.
His presence shifts Santos’ attack. Opponents double-mark him, creating space for teammates. Chapecoense’s right-back Fabio will face his most challenging duel tonight.
Tactical Breakdown
Santos’ formation flexibility with Neymar is key. He drifts centrally from the left, converting the 4-3-3 into a 4-2-3-1. This overloads Chapecoense’s midfield pivot.
Chapecoense relies on counter-attacks and set pieces. Their center-back Victor Ramos is dangerous from corners, scoring 3 goals this season.
Key duel: Neymar vs Chapecoense’s Fabio. Neymar averages 4 successful dribbles per game. Fabio has a 70% tackle success rate.
What This Match Means
For Santos, a win would move them to 4th in the table, keeping title hopes alive. For Chapecoense, every point matters in their relegation battle.
Neymar’s future remains uncertain. He has hinted this could be his final season at Santos. This match carries emotional weight for both clubs.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why is Neymar starting for Santos against Chapecoense?
- A: Neymar is starting in the Brasileirão match as part of Santos FC’s lineup, playing on the left wing in a 4-3-3 formation. His return to Santos in 2025 reignited his connection with the club’s history, including the emotional rivalry with Chapecoense stemming from the 2016 air disaster.
- Q: What is the historical significance of Santos vs Chapecoense?
- A: The rivalry is rooted in the 2016 Chapecoense air disaster that killed 71 people, including most of their squad. Santos was among the first clubs to offer support, and the term ‘patria’ (homeland) symbolizes the shared resilience between both clubs.
- Q: What are the confirmed lineups for Santos vs Chapecoense?
- A: Santos FC uses a 4-3-3 formation with Neymar, Guilherme, and Marcos Leonardo in attack. Chapecoense counters with a 4-4-2 defensive setup. Full lineups include goalkeepers João Paulo (Santos) and Airton (Chapecoense), among others.
Extended Reading
Match reports from Yahoo Noticias and Diario del Sur provide historical context. Ysscores offers live lineup updates and statistical analysis.