Neymar returns home!

Aiming for the 2026 World Cup

The Brazilian player Neymar is bidding farewell and returning to Santos. Al-Hilal and Neymar have agreed to terminate the contract, which only lasted for 18 months and was reportedly worth 104 million dollars.

The 32-year-old started playing in Saudi Arabia during the summer of 2023 but only managed to play 7 matches in total. After a left knee injury, he was no longer able to perform, followed by an Achilles tendon injury, and has not been able to play since then.

Jorge Jesus is reported to have said about Neymar, "He can no longer play at the level we are used to. Things have become difficult for him, unfortunately."

Santos' club president Marcelo Teixeira also briefly stated on social media, "The time is now, Neymar. It's time for you to come back to your people. To our home, to the club in our hearts. Welcome back, our boy Ney!...The Santos family is waiting for you with open arms."

According to Sky journalist Florian Plettenberg, they believe Neymar will only play at Santos for half a year, as there are rumors he wants to return to Europe. Could it be the Premier League, La Liga, or Serie A perhaps?

Santos now plays in Brazil's top league. Neymar has not played for Santos since 2013 - he left the team for Barcelona then. According to Neymar himself, he is aiming for the 2026 World Cup.