
Picture Credit: X
After bidding adieu to Al-Hilal with a massive pay cut last week, Brazilian star Neymar has finally returned to his boyhood club, Santos. The Brazilian forward joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal in a $97.6 million deal from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023. However, after his signing, Neymar faced several challenges with injury struggles, thus making only seven appearances in all competitions, scoring just one goal in an AFC Champions League group stage match against Nassaji Mazandaran.
Although, his Saudi stint will now remain at the back, on Friday, January 31, Neymar signed a fresh six-month contract with the Brazilian club Santos. A day after the signing, Neymar was official unveiled at the Estadio Urbano Caldeira, where he was seen breaking down in tears on his emotional return.
Neymar tears up on Santos return; kisses pitch during his unveiling
During his unveiling at his childhood club in Brazil, the forward was seen in tears upon getting a rousing reception from the fans at the Estadio Urbano Caldeira. With around 20,000 spectators in attendance to watch Santos unveil Neymar, the Brazilian international also went down to kiss the pitch before declaring, “I feel like I’m 17 again”. With a large number of fans coming in to witness Neymar’s return after nearly 12 years, he was welcomed by fireworks and a light show.
A concert was also held, featuring local singers in a three-hour ceremony where a sign read, “the prince in back”. In an emotional reunion, Neymar said, “I am very happy. We lived great moments here. There’s still a lot that could come.”
Watch Neymar get teary eyed on his return to Santos:
It is to be noted that Neymar made his debut for Santos in 2009 and won the Copa Libertadores in 2011 after scoring in the final. During his four-year spell, he made 225 appearances across all competitions, scoring 136 goals and registering 64 assists.
Neymar opens up on his contract termination and return to Santos
"There are some decisions that go beyond the logic of football, and some are impactful," he said. Early on Thursday, during his contract signing, Neymar further added, "When I was sure I was coming back, I confess that at the beginning of January I couldn't imagine coming back to Santos or leaving Al Hilal. I was very happy there, my family was very happy there, I was very adapted and full of desire to play. Things happened and I had to make a decision. I started to feel sad in training, on a day-to-day basis, and it wasn't going very well for me."
“The opportunity to return came up and I didn't think twice. From the first day, I had already decided to come back, I told my father and everything worked out. Everyone is happy. I'm back with renewed energy. Ever since I set foot here I feel like I'm 17 again. I'm very happy, excited and very keen to play,” the Brazilian further revealed.