Neymar Jr. has opened the door to a sensational return to his boyhood club, Santos FC. The club and the Brazilian superstar are dropping several hints about a potential reunion in 2025 ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America.
As per Globoesporte, Santos has started working on a deal that would see their best player in the last decade return to the club after 12 years. The club has started working the relationship with the family of Neymar including his father, Neymar Santos Sr. who acts as an advisor in the Neymar’s camp.
Neymar Jr. made his way to the senior team of Santos in 2009 where he started to flourish in his teenage years. He made 139 appearances for the Brazilian club and scored 72 goals and 37 assists. He won three trophies with Santos including Copa Libertadores in the 2010/11 season.
The impressive four years at the highest level in Brazil earned his first big money for FC Barcelona in 2013. He spent four successful years in Spain and was part of the highly rated trio of MSN – formed by Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Neymar Jr.
🚨 Brazilian club Santos have started working on Neymar’s return in 2025! 🔙🇧🇷
The club has become closer to Neymar’s father and the rest of the family.
(Source: Globoesporte) pic.twitter.com/ltlANmw1QY
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 12, 2023
Neymar shifted the landscape in 2017 when he moved to PSG in a world record deal. He moved to Paris for a fee of $263 million, a transfer fee record that still stands in 2023. He spent six more years at PSG, where he was plagued with injury issues that hampered his performances at the French club.
After Lionel Messi moved away from PSG in the summer of 2023, Neymar also moved to Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal where he has been struggling with another injury issue. During the summer, Neymar was close to Barcelona however, that move didn’t materialize.
Neymar Jr. wants Santos to retire number 11 jersey
There has been major speculation that Neymar wants to move away from Saudi Arabia once his current deal expires in 2025. The main motive behind the move away from Al-Hilal stems from the need to improve his level to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A return to Europe may be difficult for Neymar with his injury record, which opens the door for Santos FC.
Santos FC is coming off a shocking season in the Brazilian league, where they were relegated for the first time in its illustrious history. The former club of the Great Pele received well-wishes from various experts and former players including Neymar.
🤍🖤SANTOS SEMPRE SANTOS 🤍🖤 pic.twitter.com/t0kcM3w6Ia
— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) December 7, 2023
Neymar took to social media and wrote: “Santos always Santos.” The message was well received by the fans of the club opening the door for a return. The news of the return gained momentum when Santos’ president, Marcelo Teixeira revealed that Neymar wants Santos to retire his number 11 jersey till he return.
The request came after the fact that Santos revealed that they would retire the number 10 till they returned to the first division. The President also added that the club hopes that Neymar returns to their club in the future. Neymar is yet to settle in Saudi Arabia, with three appearances for Al-Hilal. All the signs so far are in favor of the return to Santos in 2025.