Al Hilal from Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed the mutual termination of Neymar Jr.'s contract, paving the way for his return to Santos FC, the club where he began his professional career. The 32-year-old Brazilian forward is heading back to the São Paulo-based team over a decade after leaving for FC Barcelona in 2013.

Why the Return?

Neymar decided to return to Brazil after a tough stint with Al Hilal, where injuries limited him to just seven matches and a single goal since joining in 2023. With Santos recently promoted to Série A, both sides see this as a strategic move: Neymar aims to rediscover his competitive edge, while Santos wants to strengthen its squad to compete in the league and push for a spot in the Copa Libertadores.

Neymar's return didn't come without financial sacrifice. The player gave up $71 million in unpaid wages with Al Hilal to make the move happen. This bold gesture highlights his determination to prioritize his homecoming and prepare for future competitions like the 2026 World Cup, where he hopes to remain a key figure for the Brazilian national team.

What It Means for Santos FC

During his first spell at Santos, Neymar played 225 matches, scoring 136 goals and providing 64 assists. With numbers like these, the club is counting on his return to boost the team's performance in the 2024 season. It's also expected that Neymar will form a dynamic attacking duo with Tiquinho Soares, one of the club’s key signings.

Santos is already working on plans to maximize the sporting and commercial impact of Neymar's signing as they aim to establish themselves firmly in the top division following their promotion and compete at the highest level of Brazilian football.

Neymar is expected to be officially unveiled in the coming weeks and will begin training with the squad. He’ll need to prove he’s physically ready after a period plagued by injuries, which will be crucial for his return to top form.