After 12 years away, Neymar made his highly anticipated return to Santos on January 31, following his departure from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal. The 33-year-old forward originally left the Brazilian club in 2013 to join Barcelona, but his love for Santos remained strong.
Stepping onto the field at the Estadio Vila Belmiro during half-time, Neymar’s presence energized the crowd. At that point, Santos held a 1-0 advantage, but opponents Botafogo fought back in the second half, leading to a 1-1 draw. Despite still recovering from an injury, Neymar displayed flashes of his skill, leaving fans eager for more.
An emotional homecoming
The Brazilian star could hardly contain his emotions upon returning to his boyhood club. “I love Santos,” Neymar said. “I can’t put into words what it meant to step onto this pitch again.” Acknowledging that he is still working his way back to full fitness, he admitted he needs more playing time. “I’m not at 100% yet,” he explained. “I didn’t expect to run and dribble so much, but I think I’ll feel stronger in four or five games.”
Following the match, several Botafogo players and staff approached Neymar for photos, recognizing the significance of his return.
A legacy continues
Neymar’s first spell with Santos saw him claim six trophies, including the 2011 Copa Libertadores. By the time he left for Europe, he had netted 136 goals in 225 appearances, cementing himself as one of the club’s greatest talents.
His journey took him from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in a record-breaking £200m move in 2017. However, his transfer to Al-Hilal in 2022 was hampered by injury, as a torn anterior cruciate ligament limited him to only seven appearances.
Santos, a club once home to the legendary Pelé, endured a historic setback when they suffered relegation in 2023 – the first time in their 111-year existence. However, they secured an immediate return to the top division by winning Serie B the following season. With Neymar back, Santos fans hope for a bright future ahead.
