Neymar Speechless After Heartfelt Return to Santos Following 12 Years

Brazilian football star Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior expressed that the emotion he felt returning to play for Santos after 12 years was beyond words. The 33-year-old rejoined the Brazilian club on January 31, 2025, following his move from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal. His return marks a full circle since he left Santos in 2013 to join Barcelona, launching his international career.

Neymar entered the match during the second half, with Santos leading 1-0, and showcased impressive moments despite his recent injury. The match ended in a 1-1 draw as Botafogo mounted a second-half comeback at Estadio Vila Belmiro. After the game, Neymar was visibly emotional and reflected on his return to his first professional club.

“I love Santos,” Neymar shared after the match. “I can’t find the words to express the feeling when you love something. I love Santos very much, and I can’t find the words to describe the feeling I had when I stepped onto the pitch today.”

The Brazilian forward, who has faced injury struggles recently, admitted that he wasn’t fully match fit and still needed more game time to return to his peak physical condition. “I need more minutes, more games. I’m not at 100 percent yet. I didn’t expect to run and dribble as much tonight. I think I’ll feel better in four or five games,” he added.

Neymar’s return to Santos was a significant moment not just for him but also for the fans, as he was approached by numerous Botafogo players and staff after the game, with many requesting photos with the iconic former Brazil captain.

During his first stint with Santos, Neymar cemented his place as one of Brazil’s brightest talents, winning six major trophies, including the coveted 2011 Copa Libertadores. By the time he left the club at just 21 years old, he had scored 136 goals in 225 appearances. His next career chapter took him to Barcelona, and in 2017, Neymar became the world’s most expensive player when he joined Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth £200 million.

However, Neymar’s career path took an unexpected turn in 2022 when he moved to Saudi Arabia to play for Al-Hilal. Unfortunately, his time there was marred by a serious knee injury, which saw him sidelined for much of the season and limited him to only seven appearances for the club.

Santos, Neymar’s boyhood club and the legendary home of Brazil’s Pele, had its share of struggles in 2023. For the first time in its 111-year history, the club was relegated from Brazil’s top division. But Santos made a quick return to the top flight by securing promotion after winning Serie B the following season.

Neymar’s return to Santos represents a full circle for the player, who made his name at the club before becoming a global football sensation. As he embarks on this new chapter of his career, Santos fans will surely be hoping the return of their star can inspire the team to greater heights. Neymar, with his 128 caps for Brazil, has always had a deep connection to the club that helped shape his career and his love for the sport.