Neymar Makes Emotional Return To Santos

A tearful Neymar was welcomed back to his boyhood club on Friday by thousands of Santos fans and a concert in the home stadium beneath an electronic sign saying, “The prince is back.” The 32-year-old signed a six-month contract, which he said could be extended. Neymar later admitted his return was also due to his feeling unhappy at Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal earlier this year as he struggled to get playing time. He said he would be ready to play for Santos at least 30 minutes in a match scheduled for Saturday if he was given the go-ahead by local soccer authorities. About 20,000 raucous Santos fans filled their Vila Belmiro Stadium in the rain outside Sao Paulo to celebrate the Brazilian’s return. His evening arrival highlighted by fireworks capped a three-hour fiesta which also featured local singers.

Photo Webdesk

Updated on: 1 February 2025 9:31 am

Brazil Neymar Soccer | Photo: AP/Andre Penner

Brazilian soccer player Neymar reacts during his presentation ceremony after signing a six-month contract with Santos FC at Vila Belmiro Stadium in Santos, Brazil.

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Neymar Brazil Soccer | Photo; AP/Andre Penner

Brazilian soccer player Neymar wipes his eye during a news conference after signing a six-month contract with Santos FC at Vila Belmiro Stadium in Santos, Brazil.

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Santos FC Neymar | Photo: AP/Andre Penner

Brazilian soccer player Neymar speaks during a news conference after signing a six-month contract with Santos FC at Vila Belmiro Stadium in Santos, Brazil.

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Brazil Neymar Soccer | Photo: AP/Andre Penner

Brazilian soccer player Neymar, center, waves to fans during his presentation ceremony after signing a six-month contract with Santos FC at Vila Belmiro Stadium in Santos, Brazil.

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Santos FC Neymar | Photo: AP/Andre Penner

Brazilian soccer player Neymar greets fans during his presentation ceremony after signing a six-month contract with Santos FC at Vila Belmiro Stadium in Santos.

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Brazil Neymar Soccer | Photo: AP/Andre Penner

Brazilian soccer player Neymar waves to fans during his presentation ceremony after signing a six-month contract with Santos FC at Vila Belmiro Stadium in Santos, Brazil.

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Santos FC Neymar | Photo: AP/Andre Penner

Jerseys of Brazilian soccer player Neymar are displayed at the Santos FC club store at Vila Belmiro Stadium before A ceremony presenting him as the club's new player in Santos.

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Brazil Neymar Soccer | Photo: AP/Andre Penner

A mural of Brazilian soccer player Neymar is painted next to Vila Belmiro stadium in Santos, Brazil, before a ceremony presenting him as a new Santos FC player.