Brazilian football star Neymar made a much-anticipated return to his childhood club, Santos, where he was warmly welcomed by over 20,000 fans at Vila Belmiro Stadium. The atmosphere was full of energy as fireworks lit up the sky, and the crowd celebrated Neymar’s return under a big electronic sign that said, “The prince is back.”
It was an emotional moment for the 32-year-old Neymar, who signed a six-month contract with the club and hinted that it could be extended later. He was brought to tears as he walked into the packed stadium, greeting the fans of the club he grew up with.
Neymar’s return to Santos is beautiful.
Every footballer should return to their childhood clubs before retirement.
— TC (@totalcristiano) January 31, 2025
Neymar Reflects on His Struggles at Al-Hilal
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward, who had struggled with limited playing time at Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal due to an injury that kept him out for several months, admitted that his decision to return to Santos was partly because he wasn’t happy at the Gulf club.
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“Some decisions are not about soccer logic,” Neymar explained during a media conference.
“I started getting sad in training sessions (at Al-Hilal), and it wasn’t good for my head. So there was the chance to come back and I did not think twice. Since the first day I decided I wanted to come back, I told my father (and agent) and it all worked.”
The star forward, who hasn’t played since November because of an ACL injury, shared that he’s ready to get back on the field for Santos.
“I would be ready to play for Santos at least 30 minutes in a match scheduled for Saturday if I was given the go-ahead by local soccer authorities,” Neymar stated.
This emotional return was not only about football but also a deeply personal choice for Neymar. “Santos gave me the chance to come back. I gave away a lot of things to be here. It was a perfect marriage at an unimaginable moment for both parts. Still, it happened,” Neymar said.
Looking ahead, Neymar shared his goal of winning the World Cup in 2026, which he believes will be his last appearance in the prestigious tournament.
“I am going after this World Cup trophy in any way I can. I have goals,” said Neymar, who is Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 125 matches.
Neymar also emphasized his respect for Pelé’s legacy, expressing how special it is to wear the legendary No. 10 jersey for Santos. “It will be an honor to wear this sacred jersey,” he said, paying tribute to the club’s footballing royalty.
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