Santos, Brazil: In a heartfelt announcement, Brazilian football icon Neymar Jr. has declared his return to Santos, the club where he first rose to prominence as a young prodigy. The 32-year-old forward shared his decision in an emotional video, expressing a sense of revisiting his past, “going back in time.”
Neymar’s move back to Santos comes shortly after his mutual agreement to part ways with Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia, where he had moved in a high-profile transfer for €90 million ($98.5M) 18 months ago. His time at Al-Hilal was marred by injuries, including a severe ACL rupture, which restricted him to only seven appearances and a single goal.
In his announcement, Neymar stated, “I’ll sign the contract with Santos Futebol Clube. I want to thank my fans from all over the world, wishing for this moment to come true for a long time.” He reminisced about his departure from Santos 12 years ago to join Barcelona, highlighting that his feelings for the club and its fans have remained unchanged.
Neymar’s career highlights include winning the Champions League and two La Liga titles during his stint at Barcelona, where he was part of the formidable ‘MSN’ trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. His move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 for a record-breaking $263 million was followed by five Ligue 1 titles, though the elusive Champions League trophy remained out of reach.
Neymar’s early career at Santos was marked by his debut in 2009 and leading the team to victory in the Copa Libertadores in 2011, where he scored in the final. Santos, having just been promoted back to Serie A, Brazil’s premier league division, in 2024, now welcomes back one of its most celebrated sons.
According to reports, Neymar will sign a short-term contract with Santos, with an eye on eventually returning to European football. He emphasized his need to play again, stating, “And only a club like Santos can provide the love I need to prepare for the coming challenges of the next years.”
This move not only signifies a personal homecoming for Neymar but also rekindles hopes for a revival of one of Brazil’s most storied clubs. Fans around the world, and particularly in Santos, are eager to see what this new chapter holds for both Neymar and the club he helped put on the global map.
Key Points
Neymar Returns to Santos: Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. has announced his return to Santos, his boyhood club, 12 years after leaving for Barcelona.
Emotional Announcement: Neymar shared his decision in an emotional video, expressing a sense of going back in time.
Previous Club Departure: He recently parted ways with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia after an injury-plagued 18 months, where he made only seven appearances.
Injury Impact: His time at Al-Hilal was significantly hampered by injuries, including an ACL rupture.
Career Highlights: Neymar’s accolades include a Champions League title and two La Liga titles with Barcelona, and five Ligue 1 titles with PSG, though he couldn’t secure the Champions League with PSG.
Santos’ Current Status: Santos has just been promoted back to Serie A, Brazil’s top football division, in 2024.
Contract Details: Neymar will reportedly sign a short-term deal with Santos with plans to return to Europe later.
Motivation for Return: Neymar expressed a desire to play football again, stating Santos provides the love needed for his next challenges.
