Neymar’s return to Santos, 12 years after his departure for Barcelona in 2013, serves as a poignant reminder of the great potential that has been partially hindered by injuries over time.
At just 21, Neymar left Brazil to cement his place among football’s legends, with hopes of becoming the country’s greatest player since Pele. While his immense talent has never been in doubt—often dazzling fans with his flair and creativity—injuries have consistently prevented him from fully realizing his potential.
As one of the world’s top footballers, Neymar’s skill and artistry on the field have drawn comparisons to football as an art form, as noted by his former Barcelona coach, Luis Enrique. Yet, despite his brilliance, Neymar has never quite stepped out of the shadow of other players at club level, be it Lionel Messi or Kylian Mbappé.
Now, at 33, Neymar is set to make his second debut for Santos, the club where he first rose to fame, after signing a six-month deal. His return to the pitch is anticipated on his birthday, when Santos faces Botafogo-SP in the Sao Paulo state championship.
Santos coach Pedro Caixinha confirmed Neymar’s upcoming appearance, and the excitement surrounding his return is already palpable. His presence inspired a 3-1 victory over Sao Paulo, with forward Guilherme attributing the win in part to the positive energy Neymar brought to the team.
For many, Neymar remains Santos’ greatest player since Pele. In September 2023, he surpassed Pele as Brazil’s top goal-scorer, but comparisons between the two remain bittersweet. By the age of 33, Pele had won the World Cup three times, while Neymar’s three attempts at World Cup glory have all ended in disappointment.
In 2014, Neymar’s tournament ended painfully with a fractured back in the quarter-finals. Four years later, although fit, Brazil’s journey ended in the quarter-finals again, this time at the hands of Belgium. His most recent World Cup appearance in 2022 was hindered by an ankle injury, and despite scoring a remarkable goal against Croatia, Brazil were knocked out on penalties.
With the 2026 World Cup in North America looming, it could be Neymar’s last chance to claim the elusive trophy. Reflecting on his current situation, Neymar said, “Now I need to play again. And only a club like Santos can provide the love I need to prepare for the coming challenges of the next years.”
Following a lucrative 18-month stint at Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Neymar now returns to the club that nurtured him as a young talent. His time at Paris Saint-Germain, while successful in terms of goals scored, was marred by injuries, and Mbappé quickly emerged as the club’s leading star. Neymar’s record-breaking transfer to PSG in 2017 was supposed to propel him out of Messi’s shadow, but recurring injuries meant he missed crucial matches, diminishing his impact.
Despite these setbacks, Neymar’s legacy at Santos remains strong. He was a key figure in the club’s last period of glory, including their 2011 Copa Libertadores win, and was an integral part of Barcelona’s treble-winning side in 2015.
As Neymar arrives at Santos with the fanfare of a rock star—landing at training by helicopter—his future remains uncertain. His ability to contribute in the coming years will largely depend on whether he can stay healthy and regain the form that once made him one of football’s brightest talents.