Neymar's Emotional Return to Santos After 12 Years

Neymar's Emotional Return to Santos After 12 Years

Brazilian forward Neymar made his long-awaited return to his childhood club, Santos, but his match ended in a lacklustre 1-1 draw against Botafogo in the Brazilian Paulista Championship.

The Urbano Caldeira stadium was filled with excitement as jubilant and tearful fans lit up their mobile phones to give the hero’s welcome to Neymar, who had left the club 12 years ago, before the match started. Neymar, who was celebrating his 33rd birthday, started on the bench and came on after the break. Santos had taken the lead through Tiquinho Soares' penalty in the first half.

However, under the pressure of playing his first match in 16 months, Neymar struggled to find his form. He attempted to replicate the magic that had made him one of the world’s best during his five years at Barcelona, but it wasn’t enough.

Botafogo equalized in the 67th minute through Alexandre de Jesus. In the 71st minute, Wallison was sent off for a foul on Neymar, but Santos couldn’t take advantage of their superior numbers.

After the match, Neymar said, “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.” He added, “It was a very difficult game. I even commented that my father was there on the side. I said, ‘It’s a tough game, they’re pressuring a lot at the back, they’re defending hard, a lot of hits.’ And they found a ball and scored. I think it’s time for me to be patient and get some practice.”

Neymar, who joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain in 2022, had been limited to just seven appearances after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October.

His return to Santos represents a full-circle moment in his career, as he aims to do what he loves most: "play football again." During his first stint with Santos, he won six trophies, including the 2011 Copa Libertadores.