Brazil’s Neymar expressed an overwhelming sense of joy on his return to Santos after a 12-year hiatus.
The 33-year-old footballer rejoined the Brazilian side on January 31 from Al-Hilal, a Saudi Arabian team, marking a poignant return to the club where he first rose to prominence before his high-profile transfer to Barcelona in 2013.
During a match where Santos initially led 1-0, Neymar entered at half-time and demonstrated his evolving fitness post-injury, contributing to the game which concluded in a 1-1 draw against Botafogo at Estadio Vila Belmiro.
Speaking after the match, Neymar shared his emotional reunion with the pitch, stating, “I love Santos. I’m lost for words over my feelings tonight stepping back onto this pitch.”
He acknowledged his need for more game time to regain full fitness, projecting improvement after a few more games.
Neymar’s return was a spectacle, with several Botafogo players and staff capturing moments with the former Brazil captain post-match. Neymar’s initial tenure at Santos was decorated with six trophies, including the prestigious 2011 Copa Libertadores, and saw him net 136 goals in 225 appearances by age 21.
After leaving Santos, Neymar became the world’s most expensive player in 2017, moving from Barcelona to Paris St-Germain for £200 million.
His recent stint in Saudi Arabia was marred by an anterior cruciate ligament injury, limiting him to just seven appearances for Al-Hilal.
Meanwhile, Santos, a club historically linked with Brazilian legend Pele, faced relegation for the first time in their 111-year history in 2023 but secured a swift return to the top division by winning Serie B last season.
