Neymar has confirmed his return to Santos, nearly 12 years after departing from the Brazilian club, as announced by club president Marcelo Teixeira on Tuesday.
The Brazilian forward stated that his contract with Saudi Arabian team Al-Hilal was mutually terminated. His time in Saudi Arabia was marred by injuries, limiting him to just seven appearances and a single goal.
At 32 years old, Neymar previously achieved significant success with Santos, winning six titles, including the prestigious Copa Libertadores in 2011. Santos is located in a picturesque coastal city near São Paulo.
“The time has come for you to return, Neymar. It is time to come back to your people and to the club that resides in our hearts,” Teixeira expressed on social media. “Welcome back, our boy Ney! A son of Vila (Belmiro, Santos’ stadium). Come back to find joy again in the white and black jersey. The Santos community is ready to embrace you.”
Once regarded as one of the top players globally, Neymar’s recent stint in Saudi Arabia was plagued by an ACL injury sustained while playing for Brazil in October 2023, which kept him mostly sidelined.
Media outlets in São Paulo report that the former stars of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain is anticipated to return to Brazil this week and reconnect with Santos supporters in the coming days.
Neymar made headlines in 2017 when he became the most expensive player in soccer history, transferring from Barcelona to PSG for 222 million euros (approximately $262 million).
In a heartwarming gesture, Neymar responded with a heart gif to a post by Kely Nascimento, daughter of the legendary three-time World Cup winner Pelé, celebrating his return to Santos.
“(My father) must be performing bicycle kicks in heaven upon learning that our boy is coming back home,” Nascimento posted on Instagram, reflecting on Pelé’s passing in December 2022.
Santos experienced relegation to Brazil’s second division in 2023 but successfully returned to the top tier in the latest season.
Neymar’s last match occurred in November, and Al-Hilal’s coach Jorge Jesus had expressed concerns regarding the striker’s fitness.
After a brief and challenging spell in the Saudi league, Neymar departs Al-Hilal having played only seven games over 17 months following his lucrative transfer.
On Monday, Al-Hilal announced the mutual termination of Neymar’s contract, thanking him for his contributions during his time at the club.
In a heartfelt message on social media, Neymar expressed, “I gave everything to play and wish we had enjoyed better times on the pitch together. To Saudi, thank you for providing my family and me a new home and unforgettable experiences. I now have lifelong friends in Saudi.”
Despite Neymar’s injury issues, Al-Hilal managed to clinch last season’s Saudi league title. His contract was set to expire after this year’s FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled between June 15 and July 13 in the United States.
In a statement on its social media channels, Al-Hilal expressed gratitude and appreciation for Neymar’s contributions throughout his career with the club.
Neymar’s move to Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2023 was for 90 million euros ($94 million), and his salary was among the highest in global soccer.
Unfortunately, an ACL injury, the most severe of his career, occurred shortly after joining the Saudi club.
Neymar returned to play in October, but he later revealed doubts about his future with the team.
Fans of Santos had long anticipated Neymar’s return. Recently, they circulated a video featuring a voice resembling that of the legendary Pelé, urging Neymar to come back and don his iconic No. 10 shirt.
In June, during a visit to one of his social initiatives in Brazil, Neymar dismissed any speculation about returning to Santos.
“This is completely false; I have another year left on my contract with Al-Hilal. I aim to have a great season there. We need to take it day by day; there’s plenty of time ahead,” Neymar told the media at that time. “Of course, Santos holds a special place in my heart, and I do want to return one day, but I have no plans at present.”
Earlier in January, Neymar stirred conversation with his remarks about former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappé, who now plays for Real Madrid.
In a podcast hosted by World Cup champion Romário, Neymar suggested that Mbappé experienced “a little jealousy” after Lionel Messi joined PSG in August 2021. He also noted that strong personalities impacted PSG’s performance in crucial matches.
