The president of Santos FC, Marcelo Teixeira, confirmed this Tuesday the return of Neymar Jr. to the Brazilian club where he started his career, 12 years after his departure to FC Barcelona.

Returning to the Club That Saw Him Grow

"Welcome, 'menino' Ney! Boy of Vila (Belmiro)! Come back and be happy with the sacred jersey. The Santos nation is waiting for you with open arms," expressed Teixeira in a video posted on social media. Neymar, who is close to turning 33, returns to his home country after reaching an agreement to terminate his contract with Al-Hilal, the Saudi team with which he played only seven matches since joining in August 2023.

Although Teixeira did not specify the length of the contract, local media speculate that Neymar could sign until mid-2025, with an option to extend it. The return of the forward to Santos marks the end of a chapter in his career, where he began to shine under the guidance of Pelé, who helped the club gain global recognition.

Neymar's Legacy at Santos

Neymar left an indelible mark on Santos between 2009 and 2013, playing 225 matches, scoring 135 goals, and winning significant titles like the Copa Libertadores. After his time at FC Barcelona, where he continued his rise in Europe, and at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he completed one of the most expensive transfers in history, Neymar was forced to leave PSG in 2023 due to the arrival of Luis Enrique and joined the high-profile project in Saudi Arabia.

A New Beginning for Neymar, Eyes on 2026 World Cup

Now, with his return to Santos, Neymar aims to recover his best form and regain the lost shine, with his sights set on the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Brazilian club, which is facing financial difficulties, is working to return to the top of football after relegating to Serie B last year.