Loud cheers, telephone lights: Neymar will get jubilant welcome on Santos return after 12 years

Neymar return to Brazilian soccer was solemnised on Wednesday as he made his long-awaited return to his childhood membership Santos with their match towards Botafogo. The star ahead, who not too long ago
ended his contract with Al-Hilal mutually, nevertheless, had a subdued begin as Santos performed out a lacklustre 1-1 draw with Botafogo within the Brazilian Paulista Championship.

His return to Brazilian home soccer, nevertheless, was not subdued because the Urbano Caldeira stadium erupted in celebration, jubilant and tearful followers lit up their cell phones to present the striker, who left the membership 12 years in the past, a hero’s welcome earlier than kick-off.

Neymar, who was celebrating his thirty third birthday, began on the bench and got here on after the break as Santos had taken the lead via Tiquinho Soares’ first-half penalty.

Neymar on return: ‘Can’t discover the phrases to explain the sensation’

Nonetheless, the ahead struggled below the stress of his first sport in 16 months.

He tried to conjure up a few of the magic that positioned him among the many world’s greatest for 5 years at Barcelona, however it wasn’t sufficient.

Botafogo equalised via Alexandre de Jesus within the 67th minute. Wallison was despatched off 4 minutes later for a foul on Neymar however Santos had been unable to reap the benefits of their superior numbers.

“I can’t discover the phrases to specific the sensation if you love one thing. I like Santos very a lot and I can’t discover the phrases to explain the sensation I felt after I stepped out onto the pitch as we speak,” Neymar stated after the match.

Botafogo gamers lining as much as take images with Neymar after the sport 😭pic.twitter.com/8SXrNSLXi1

— All Issues Brazil™ 🇧🇷 (@SelecaoTalk) February 6, 2025

“It was a really tough sport. I had even commented that my father was there on the aspect. I stated, it’s a tough sport, they’re marking so much on the again, they’re a crew that defends so much, loads of hitting. They usually discovered a ball and scored. I feel it’s time for me to be affected person and get some follow,” the participant added.

Neymar, who joined Saudi Arabian aspect Al-Hilal from Paris St Germain,
was restricted to seven appearances after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee in a World Cup qualifier towards Uruguay in October.

His return to Santos is a deal that the ahead has stated will convey his illustrious profession full circle, as he tries to do what he loves most: “play soccer once more”.

With company inputs