Watch: Neymar’s emotional return – ‘My emotions by no means modified’ as he confirms Santos transfer after Al-Hilal exit

Watch: Neymar’s emotional return – ‘My emotions by no means modified’ as he confirms Santos transfer after Al-Hilal exit

Soccer followers all over the world are buzzing with pleasure as Neymar has formally confirmed his return to Santos, the membership the place he first made a reputation for himself. After practically 12 years away, the Brazilian famous person has signed a six-month contract with the group that nurtured his expertise and propelled him to international stardom.

This transfer comes after Neymar’s contract with Saudi Professional League membership Al-Hilal was terminated by mutual settlement, marking the top of a short and injury-plagued spell within the Center East. His return to Santos is seen not solely as an emotional homecoming but additionally as a possible stepping stone to reignite his profession forward of the 2026 World Cup.

On January 30, 2025the membership’s president Marcelo Teixeira took to social media to precise his pleasure at Neymar’s return. In a heartfelt message, he said: “It’s time so that you can come again to your individuals. To our residence, to the membership in our hearts.”

Neymar, now 32 years previous, final performed for Santos between 2010 and 2013, a interval through which he received six main trophies, together with the prestigious Copa Libertadores. His dazzling performances again then earned him a transfer to Barcelona and a spot on the Ballon d’Or shortlist—a uncommon feat for a participant primarily based within the Brazilian league on the time.

Now, after a turbulent interval in Saudi Arabia, he’s returning to the place all of it started, hoping to regain his kind and health after a irritating time with accidents.

What did Neymar say?

In a video message shared on social media, Neymar mirrored on his journey and his deep reference to Santos: “I simply can’t maintain it in till tomorrow. My household and my associates already know my resolution. I’ll signal the contract with Santos. I need to thank my followers from everywhere in the world who’ve been wishing for this second to come back true for a very long time.”

He emphasised that, regardless of leaving the membership practically 12 years in the past, his love for Santos had by no means wavered: “My emotions for the membership and followers have by no means modified.” After fighting accidents and uncertainty at Al-Hilal, Neymar expressed his need to reignite his profession in a well-recognized setting: “Now I have to play once more. And solely a membership like Santos can present the love I would like to organize for the approaching challenges within the subsequent few years.”

New chapter: Can Neymar lead Santos again to glory?

Santos has had a troublesome few years, together with a stunning relegation for the primary time in membership historical past. Nevertheless, they’ve since bounced again, and Neymar’s return could possibly be the spark wanted to reestablish them as certainly one of Brazil’s high groups.

Neymar beforehand scored 136 objectives in 225 appearances for Santos, and followers will probably be wanting to see if he can rediscover the shape that made him a international icon. Carrying the iconic No. 11 jersey, he’ll goal to encourage the group to success as soon as once more.

His first match again is scheduled for February 5 towards Botafogo, a fixture that can mark the start of his extremely anticipated second spell in Vila Belmiro.

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