Soccer
Neymar’s new look for Santos return
The Brazilian has returned to his homeland and looks ready for the challenge with Santos, his boyhood club.

After 12 years away, Neymar has returned to Brazil to sign for his boyhood team, Santos. The 32-year-old hit great heights during his time in Europe but has barely made it onto the field in recent years.
After making the move to Al Hilal in 2023 Neymar managed just seven competitive appearances, scoring one goal. The $100 million transfer was a disaster for the Saudi Pro League side as an injury-struck Neymar battled with fitness issues throughout.
He spent more than a year on the sidelines after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while on international duty with Brazil, sparking concern about his long-term fitness. At points during his time with Al Hilal he was criticised for appearing overweight, a natural consequence of spending so long with competitive action.

Neymar’s dedication to the game has been questioned in recent years as he has faded from his dazzling peak. He has suffered muscular injuries with increased regularity, opted for a move away from Europe and has an impressive record of missing matches and returning to Brazil for his sister’s birthday in March.
Now, his return to Santos is starting off on a more positive footing and video shared by the Brazilian team shows him in good shape. This new-look Neymar has already taken part in training sessions with the team and could make his second debut later this week.
He turns 33 on Wednesday, February 5 and could mark the occasion by making his long-awaited return in the game against Botafogo that evening. Neymar seems enthused by the idea of a return to Santos and will wear the iconic No. 10 for Santos, once worn by the great Pelé.
“Today it’s more of a rescue for me, I’m seeing it in a personal sense,” Neymar said at his unveiling last week. “I’m happy that everyone is saying that it’s a rescue of Brazilian soccer, I’m happy for the affection, not just from the Santos fans, but from fans of other teams, who cheer for me. I’m very happy to be back. I need to regain my confidence to play, my happiness which is to be on the pitch. That’s what I came looking for.”
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