Neymar Makes Emotional Return to Santos in Bid to Revive His Career

Neymar has returned to Santos FC, aiming to revive his career after struggles in Europe and Saudi Arabia. The 32-year-old, who scored 136 goals in 225 matches for Santos before moving to Barcelona in 2013, endured injuries and inconsistent form at PSG and Al-Hilal. Now back at Vila Belmiro, he seeks a fresh start, eyeing Brazil's 2026 World Cup campaign.

In the latest twist of his career, Neymar has returned to his boyhood club, Santos FC, in an effort to revive his form after years of setbacks. The club announced his homecoming with a special video featuring an AI-generated voice of Pelé, reminding Neymar of his promise to return. Once hailed as the heir to Brazil’s footballing legacy, Neymar’s journey saw him rise to stardom at Santos, scoring 136 goals in 225 appearances before joining Barcelona in 2013.

At Barcelona, he formed the legendary MSN trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, winning a historic treble in 2014-15. However, seeking to emerge from Messi’s shadow, Neymar moved to PSG in 2017 for a record €222 million but failed to win the UEFA Champions League. Injuries and commercial distractions hampered his form, and after an underwhelming stint at Al-Hilal, where he played just seven games, he now seeks redemption.

As Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals, Neymar still has a chance to shape his legacy. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, his return to Santos could be the fresh start he needs to reclaim his brilliance and fulfill his long-awaited potential.