Neymar’s long-anticipated return to his boyhood club, Santos, is now official.
The 32-year-old forward, widely regarded as one of Brazil’s greatest footballing talents and still the most expensive player in history, has signed a six-month deal that brings him back to Vila Belmiro.
His homecoming comes after parting ways with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal on January 27, following an injury-riddled spell that fell short of expectations.
According to BBC Sport’s Spanish football expert, Guillem Balague, Neymar was “desperate to come back to Santos.” The club was equally keen to secure his return, even reportedly using an AI-generated voice of the legendary Pelé in a video campaign to convince him to re-sign.
However, what impact will Neymar’s return truly have on Santos?
As Balague pointed out, “Everyone knows where he stands now in his relationship with football.”
Over the years, Neymar’s career has been a story of dazzling talent mixed with unfulfilled potential—often labeled ‘the prince who never became king’. Now, his return to Santos marks a new chapter, but whether it will be a fairytale ending remains to be seen.
‘The prince who never became king’
Search for Neymar’s nickname online, and you’ll find an endless stream of TikTok and YouTube compilations showcasing his finest moments.
These are more than just goal highlights—montages of mesmerizing dribbles, audacious rainbow flicks, and cheeky nutmegs flood the internet, a testament to his unique style.
Neymar embodies Joga Bonito, the Brazilian philosophy of playing football beautifully. His game is an art form, a dazzling spectacle that continues the lineage of footballing greats. From his ever-changing hairstyles to his signature nose tape, his aesthetic and flair have shaped modern football culture—reviving a spirit some feared had faded with the decline of his compatriot, Ronaldinho.
By the time he left Santos in 2013 for Barcelona, Neymar had already built a legendary status. He racked up 136 goals in 225 appearances, claimed the 2011 FIFA Puskás Award for a stunning solo goal against Flamengo, and broke into the Ballon d’Or top 10 that same year.
His move to Spain came with high expectations—many saw him as the rightful heir to football’s throne, the one destined to step out from the immense shadows of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“He’s a lovely person—childlike in many ways—but surrounded by good people, and he loved Barcelona,” recalled football expert Guillem Balague.
Under the floodlights of the Nou Camp, Neymar thrived, becoming a key figure in one of football’s most electrifying attacking trios. Alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, he helped Barcelona claim two La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies, and a Champions League crown.
Playing from the left, Neymar’s creativity and flair flourished. “He had to play in that position because of Suárez and Messi,” Balague explained. “At the time, he didn’t realise that being just a left winger would bring out his best.”
During the 2015-16 season, the legendary MSN trio tore apart defenses, contributing a staggering 131 goals and 65 assists. Yet despite Neymar’s brilliance, the dream of stepping out of Messi’s shadow and claiming the title of the world’s best player remained just that—a dream.
The turning point came on an unforgettable night in March 2017, during Barcelona’s stunning 6-1 Champions League comeback against Paris Saint-Germain. Neymar was the standout performer, scoring twice and assisting the decisive goal. Yet, when the final whistle blew, the iconic post-match image was of Messi celebrating with the crowd.
“That was the moment he knew he had to leave,” Balague reflected. “Despite being the best player on the pitch, the spotlight remained on Messi. He realized he would never be Barcelona’s number one.”
That summer, Neymar left Spain behind, embarking on a new chapter in Paris.
Paris Saint-Germain shattered the transfer record in 2017, paying an unprecedented €222m (£200m) to secure Neymar’s services—a fee that remains unbeaten to this day.
In the French capital, Neymar was given more creative freedom, moving into a central role where he orchestrated attacks and dictated play. However, this newfound liberty on the pitch came with increased commercial commitments off it.
“His love for the game was taken from him in Paris; he became an industry,” noted football analyst Guillem Balague.
Unlike at Barcelona, Neymar’s contract at PSG reportedly designated specific days for training and others for commercial ventures. This shift in priorities saw his focus drift.
“He would play PlayStation until three in the morning and struggle in training, but on matchday, he would still produce moments of genius,” Balague revealed.
While Neymar collected multiple domestic titles with PSG, the club’s ultimate goal—a Champions League triumph—remained elusive. Their best effort came in the 2020 final, where they fell 1-0 to Bayern Munich, despite Neymar playing the full match.
Over time, injuries and off-field distractions overshadowed his brilliance. The dynamic within PSG also shifted, with Kylian Mbappé’s rise and Lionel Messi’s arrival complicating Neymar’s standing in the squad.
Speaking with Brazilian legend Romário on a podcast, Neymar admitted to tensions with Mbappé. “We fought a little, but he was fundamental for us. I always helped him, talked to him, but when Messi came, he got a little jealous.”
Injuries further derailed his time in Paris, and after undergoing ankle surgery, he did not feature again following the 2022-23 season.
The Saudi switch
In August 2023, Neymar made a high-profile move to Saudi Arabia, signing with Al-Hilal on a staggering €150m (£129m) annual deal—roughly six times what he earned in France.
However, fortune did not favor him in the Middle East. A devastating knee injury while on international duty with Brazil kept him sidelined for most of his time at the club, limiting him to just seven appearances.
According to South American football expert Tim Vickery, Neymar had planned to stay at Al-Hilal for another six months, aiming to showcase himself at the Club World Cup. “That was supposed to be his way of telling the football world: ‘I’m back, baby,’” Vickery said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Well, Neymar is back—but in Brazil. He has returned to Santos, the club where it all began, just as they regain their place in the country’s top flight.
If he can stay fit, Neymar’s presence could be a game-changer—not just for Santos, but for the Brazilian national team. He last wore the iconic yellow shirt in October 2023, when he suffered a torn ACL against Uruguay.
Despite surpassing Pelé as Brazil’s all-time top scorer, injuries have repeatedly robbed Neymar of historic moments on the international stage. He missed Brazil’s humiliating 2014 World Cup semi-final defeat, the triumphant 2019 Copa América campaign, and significant portions of the 2022 World Cup.
Yet with rising stars like Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo leading the next generation, Brazil could be serious contenders for the 2026 World Cup. And if Neymar remains healthy, his experience and artistry could still make the difference.
One Last Shot at Greatness?
Neymar remains an icon for the new generation of footballers, including Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, who has been seen proudly wearing a Santos shirt with Neymar’s name.
“He is loved by players and is Yamal’s hero because he did things no one else could,” remarked football analyst Guillem Balague.
Though he never fully claimed football’s throne, Neymar’s influence on the game is undeniable. And perhaps, his story isn’t finished yet.
At 32, he is not yet a veteran. The talent is still there. The hunger may still burn.
With Messi having his crowning moment in Qatar, could Neymar have his in the United States?
Don’t count him out just yet.
SOURCE: BBC
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