Neymar’s Return to Santos: A Homecoming Story
In a move that has sent ripples through the soccer world, Neymar is set to return to his roots at Santos, nearly 12 years after his departure. This exciting development was confirmed by Santos club president Marcelo Teixeira on Tuesday. The Brazilian striker, who has been a global icon in the sport, is coming back to the club where it all began for him.
Earlier, Neymar had confirmed that his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal had been terminated by mutual consent. His time at Al-Hilal was marred by injuries, limiting him to just seven matches and a single goal. This return to Santos marks a significant chapter in Neymar’s career, as he seeks to reignite the passion and form that made him one of the world’s best players.
For those who may not remember, Neymar’s tenure at Santos was nothing short of spectacular. He won six titles with the club, including the prestigious Copa Libertadores trophy in 2011. Santos, a picturesque beachfront city outside São Paulo, is where Neymar first made his mark on the global stage.
Teixeira’s heartfelt message on social media captured the sentiment of many Santos fans: “It is the time (to come back), Neymar. It is time for you to come back to your people. To our home, to the club in our hearts,” he said. “Welcome, our boy Ney! A boy of Vila (Belmiro, Santos’ stadium). Come back to be happy again with the white and black shirt. The Santos nation awaits you with open arms.”
Neymar’s journey has been a rollercoaster, with highs and lows that have kept fans and critics alike on their toes. His stint in Saudi Arabia was largely spent on the sidelines due to an ACL injury sustained while playing for Brazil in October 2023. This injury was a significant setback for a player who has been hailed as one of the most talented of his generation.
Reports from São Paulo media suggest that Neymar is expected to return to Brazil this week, with plans to reintroduce himself to Santos fans in the coming days. This homecoming is eagerly anticipated by fans who have longed to see their prodigal son don the Santos jersey once more.
It’s worth noting that Neymar became the most expensive player in soccer history when he transferred from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a staggering 222 million euros (then $262 million) in 2017. This move was a testament to his immense talent and marketability.
While Neymar’s spokeswoman, Day Franco, has stated that the player has no immediate comment, Neymar did respond with a heart gif to a post by Kely Nascimento, one of the daughters of the legendary Pelé, celebrating his return to Santos. Nascimento’s post on Instagram was touching: “(My father) must be taking bicycle kicks in heaven after finding out that our boy is coming back home.” Pelé, a three-time World Cup winner, passed away in December 2022.
In a video published by Al-Hilal on Tuesday evening, Neymar gave a farewell speech to his former teammates. “Today I am very happy to be able to go, return home. To my country,” he said, without specifically mentioning Santos. “It was a pleasure for me to play for this club. It was a short time, things were not as I expected. I could not help you on the pitch as I wanted.”
Santos, which was relegated to Brazil’s second division in 2023, has since been promoted back to the top tier. Neymar’s return is seen as a boost for the club as they aim to reestablish themselves among Brazil’s elite teams.
Neymar’s most recent match was played in November, and Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus had repeatedly cast doubts about the striker’s form to play. Despite his injury woes, Al-Hilal managed to win last season’s Saudi league, showcasing the depth and talent within the squad.
Al-Hilal announced on Monday that they had reached an agreement with Neymar to terminate his contract by mutual consent. Neymar expressed his gratitude to the club and the country in a social media message: “I gave everything to play and I wish we enjoyed better times on the pitch together. To Saudi, thank you for giving me and my family a new home and new experiences. I now know the real Saudi and have friends for life.”
Despite the challenges, Neymar remains focused on his future. He is Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer with 79 goals in 125 matches and is determined to get more playing time to prepare for the World Cup in North America next year. This tournament could be his last shot at winning the coveted trophy, adding another layer of motivation to his return to Santos.
As Neymar prepares to rejoin Santos, fans are already buzzing with excitement. Since last week, they have been sharing a video featuring the voice of Pelé, urging Neymar to return and wear the historic No. 10 shirt. This emotional appeal has only heightened the anticipation surrounding his homecoming.
In June, during a visit to one of his social projects in Brazil, Neymar had denied any plans to return to Santos, calling the idea “a total lie.” However, the allure of returning to his boyhood club has proven too strong to resist.
Earlier in January, Neymar made headlines for his comments about former PSG teammate Kylian Mbappé, who is now at Real Madrid. Speaking on a podcast hosted by World Cup winner Romário, Neymar suggested that Mbappé became “a little jealous” after Lionel Messi joined PSG in August 2021. He also noted that big egos affected PSG’s performances in crucial matches.
As Neymar embarks on this new chapter with Santos, the soccer world will be watching closely. His return is not just a homecoming; it’s a chance for redemption and a reminder of the magic that made him a global superstar.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
