Brazil’s record goalscorer and the world’s most expensive player chose to sign a short-term deal with the club. It came amid interest and rumours of transfers to MLS sides Chicago Fire and Inter Miami, where he would have had the chance to reunite with former Barcelona team-mates Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi. Nonetheless, Neymar was reportedly desperate to come back to Santos.
Neymar made just seven appearances in his 18-month spell spent with Al-Hilal, after a £77.6m move from Paris St Germain in August 2023. He was allegedly paid £129m per year, but due to various injuries including a cruciate ligament tear and hamstring issues, he was unable to make an impact in the Saudi Pro League.
He was unable to make an impact in the Saudi Pro League
However, if the player’s presentation ceremony is anything to go off, we can expect much greater things from the Brazilian icon. Upon kissing the turf, which he promised to return to when he left in 2013, thousands of fans in the packed-out stadium erupted, welcoming their prince home at long last. With pyrotechnics, tears, and an electric atmosphere all around the Vila Belmiro, it was clear how much this transfer meant to all involved.
As Neymar sported his iconic 100% Jesus headband and gave his legendary bowing celebration in his unveiling, will we see a return to his form of 12 years previous?
During his original time at Santos, which lasted 5 years, he had already won the 2011 Puskas Award, finished in the top 10 of the Ballon d’Or award at just 19 years of age, and had achieved an astounding 200 goals and assists in just 225 appearances.
The 33-year-old can deliver for club and country, but his injury record could prove troubling. Neymar has been haunted in the past couple of years by injuries, and underwhelming performances. Nonetheless, with one last opportunity to gain a “coronating moment,” could we see him roll back the years for Santos in the Brazilian Série A and Brazil in the upcoming World Cup?