Neymar announced on January 31 that he’s returning to his boyhood club, Santos, after an injury-plagued stint with Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal. The 32-year-old, who joined Al Hilal in August 2023 with a reported salary of $104 million, played just seven times due to a knee injury that sidelined him for months. His return to Brazil is seen as a last chance to revitalize his career with an eye on the 2026 World Cup.

In a social media post, Neymar expressed his deep connection with Santos, where he began his career, writing, “My feelings for the club and fans have never changed.” Santos responded warmly, saying, “Your home awaits you.” Neymar will be presented to fans in a special ceremony at the Estadio Urbano Caldeira on Friday.

After leaving Barcelona for PSG in 2017 and becoming a global star, Neymar’s time at Al Hilal was marred by injuries, and his future now hinges on his ability to regain fitness. Santos, recently promoted back to Brazil’s top division, will face a busy season with Neymar’s return sparking huge fan excitement.

With the 2026 World Cup looming, Neymar hopes his move to Santos will help him earn a spot on Brazil’s squad, saying, “Now I need to play again, and only a club like Santos can provide the love I need for the challenges ahead.”