New Delhi: The star Brazilian footballer Neymar Jr. signed a six-month contract with his boyhood club Santos FC on Friday. The club’s vice-president, Fernando Benavides, mentioned to Canal SporTV that while the initial contract is for just six months, they hope to keep Neymar until next year’s World Cup.
The 32-year-old forward returned to Santos after 12 long years and was visibly emotional as he received a warm welcome from the fans at the Estadio Urbano Caldeira. The crowd’s roar and vibrant atmosphere underscored the significance of his return to the club where his illustrious career began.
Neymar’s return to Santos is beautiful.
Every footballer should return to their childhood clubs before retirement.
— TC (@totalcristiano) January 31, 2025
Neymar is Brazil’s top goalscorer, and after stints at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, he joined Al Hilal in August 2023, following in the footsteps of fellow stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, but his time there was short-lived. Despite a reported annual salary of $104 million, he played only seven matches, hampered by a knee injury sustained in Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023.
In the midst of widespread speculation, Al Hilal revealed on Friday that they had mutually decided to part ways with Neymar. The Brazilian then took to social media to express his gratitude to Al Hilal fans for their support.
Santos were relegated to Brazil’s second division in 2023 but have since been promoted back in the latest season. The club took to their social media to announce that ‘The Prince is Back.’ Returning to Santos following their recent promotion to the top flight, Neymar looks ready to rediscover his form and rhythm.
Eu vou, mas eu volto. #ThePrinceIsBack pic.twitter.com/2uTxDgYk1M
— Santos FC (@SantosFC) January 31, 2025
During his first stint at the club, Neymar scored a remarkable 136 goals and provided 64 assists in 225 appearances. He also helped the Brazilian club secure their first Copa Libertadores title in nearly 50 years, back in 2011. The star forward has also expressed his pride in wearing Santos’ legendary No. 10 jersey which the great Pelé once donned. Paying tribute to the club’s rich footballing history, he said, “It will be an honour to wear this sacred jersey.”
With his sights set on regaining his form and contributing to Santos’ success, Neymar’s return marks an exciting new chapter in both his career and the club’s history.
Neymar returns to Santos on a six-month contract after a brief and injury-plagued stint with Al Hilal, despite a reported $104M annual salary. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
