Neymar’s highly anticipated return to Santos is now official. The Brazilian superstar, who remains the most expensive player in football history, has signed a six-month contract with his boyhood club. This move marks a full-circle moment for the 32-year-old, who first rose to prominence at Santos before embarking on a career that saw him shine in Europe and, more recently, endure an injury-riddled stint in Saudi Arabia.
His return follows the termination of his contract with Al-Hilal on January 27, bringing an abrupt end to his brief and unfulfilling spell in the Saudi Pro League. The move has been described as emotional, with Neymar reportedly eager to return. Santos, equally keen on a reunion, even used an AI-generated voice of club legend Pelé in a video to help persuade him to re-sign. But while the romance of Neymar’s homecoming is undeniable, the real question remains: what can he bring to Santos at this stage of his career?
Neymar:The Prince Who Never Became King
Despite his immense talent and global superstardom, Neymar has often been labeled as “the prince who never became king.” A quick search on social media platforms like TikTok or YouTube reveals countless highlight reels of his jaw-dropping skills—dazzling dribbles, rainbow flicks, and audacious nutmegs. His style embodied the philosophy of Joga Bonito, showcasing football as an art form rather than just a competition.
During his first spell at Santos, Neymar was seen as the heir to Brazil’s footballing throne, following in the footsteps of Ronaldinho and Pelé. He scored 136 goals in 225 appearances before leaving for Barcelona in 2013. There, he formed one of the most feared attacking trios in football history alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. While he won numerous trophies at Barcelona, including the Champions League, he remained in Messi’s shadow. His world-record move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2017 was supposed to establish him as the best player on the planet, but despite domestic success, the elusive Ballon d’Or never came. Injuries, off-field distractions, and the rise of Kylian Mbappé complicated his tenure in Paris.
Saudi Stint and the Road Back to Brazil
In August 2023, Neymar made a surprise switch to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, signing a lucrative deal reportedly worth €150 million per year. However, his time in the Middle East was marred by injuries, and he managed just seven appearances before a devastating knee injury ruled him out for the rest of the season. His Saudi experience was intended to be a stepping stone to a major comeback, with hopes of playing in the FIFA Club World Cup, but fate had other plans.
With his European options limited and his rehabilitation ongoing, a return to Santos emerged as a logical choice. Now playing for a club that recently secured promotion back to Brazil’s top division, Neymar has the chance to revitalize both his career and the team’s fortunes. More importantly, if he stays fit, his presence could be crucial for Brazil’s national team as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
One Last Shot at Glory?
Though Neymar’s career has been filled with dazzling moments, it has also been plagued by near-misses. His international journey, in particular, has been one of heartbreak. He missed the 2014 World Cup semi-final after a serious injury, sat out Brazil’s victorious 2019 Copa América campaign, and struggled with fitness issues in the 2022 World Cup. Despite overtaking Pelé as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, his international legacy remains incomplete.
With young talents like Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo emerging as the future of Brazilian football, Neymar’s role in the national team remains uncertain. However, his experience, flair, and match-winning ability still make him a valuable asset. If he can stay healthy and regain his best form, he might yet have one final shot at international glory at the 2026 World Cup.
For now, Neymar’s return to Santos represents more than just a nostalgic homecoming—it is a chance to reclaim his love for the game, remind the world of his brilliance, and perhaps, finally, fulfill his destiny as football’s lost king.
