Neymar makes Santos comeback
“I love Santos,” Neymar declared after the match
Twelve years after leaving Santos to conquer European football, Neymar made an emotional return to his boyhood club, stepping onto the iconic Estádio Vila Belmiro pitch once more.
The 33-year-old forward, who rejoined Santos on January 31 following a brief and turbulent stint at Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, described the experience as “indescribable.”
Substituted on at halftime with Santos holding a narrow 1-0 lead against Botafogo Ribeirão Preto, Neymar immediately became the focal point of the game. Despite Santos ultimately settling for a 1-1 draw in the São Paulo State Championship clash, Neymar’s return to his roots was the true headline of the night.
“I love Santos,” Neymar declared after the match. “I have no words to describe what I felt tonight when I stepped back onto this pitch. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
Neymar, who is still recovering from ACL surgery, admitted he wasn’t at full fitness but exceeded his own expectations during the 52 minutes he spent on the pitch.
“I need minutes, games. I’m not 100%, but I didn’t expect to run and dribble as much as I did tonight,” he said. “I think I’ll feel better in four or five games.”
The forward replaced Gabriel Bontempo after the break and quickly showcased glimpses of the flair that made him a global star. He took six shots, delivered 22 passes — many of which were reminiscent of his prime — and drew five fouls, becoming the most fouled player of the second half.
A response to critics
Neymar also took the opportunity to address recent criticism from his former coach at Al-Hilal, Jorge Jesus, who had questioned his readiness to return to top-level football.
Speaking candidly to Brazilian channel CazeTV, Neymar said: “The pitch is the only place where I can defend myself from that criticism, those comments. I knew I was going to show something different tonight.”
He added, “I said at Al-Hilal that I was ready to play. Not for 90 minutes — I had a serious injury and then another setback. I just ask for a bit of patience from the fans as I work my way back.”
