Neymar could return to Santos in 2025 (credit: @santosfc}
Neymar’s return to Brazil, specifically to Vila Belmiro, Santos’ stadium, has resonated throughout the country after his recent visit during the first Paulista Championship final between Santos and Palmeiras. The Brazilian star, who is in the process of recovering from a knee injury, attended the match as a guest to present the trophy to the winner of the competition. However, what captured attention was the revelation of his return to Santos next year, information confirmed by a club official and reported by UOL.
During his stay at the Peixe venue, the 32-year-old soccer player visited the Santos locker room, greeting each of the players before heading to the press room. It was in these moments before the game when he expressed his desire to return to the team in which he made his professional debut. “Next year he will play for Santos again,” he stated, as quoted by the Brazilian media.
Marcelo Teixeira, president of Santos, had strengthened ties with Neymar and his family, further facilitating the possibility of his return. In a recent interview with CNN Brazil, Teixeira commented on this potential return of the star, who began his career at Santos at the age of 16 in 2009. “He has a relationship of appreciation, respect and gratitude with Santos. So I think the path is inevitable,” he indicated.
This would not be Neymar’s first return to Vila Belmiro this year, as he had attended a match against Corinthians in early February. At that time, Teixeira’s interest in Neymar’s return was already evident.
Neymar was the protagonist on the Santos field (credit: @santosfc}
Currently, with Santos preparing to seek promotion to the First Division after experiencing the first relegation in its history, the expectation to have Neymar back in the team is growing. The club president revealed at that time that Neymar requested to reserve the number 11 shirt until his return: “He asked to keep the number 11 until he returns to the club. We are very hopeful to have him at Santos. It will be an honor to have the star we formed again. Number 11 will be removed until he returns, people are waiting for his return and I hope we can return to the First Division to have Neymar again.”
During his previous time at Santos, Neymar managed to win three consecutive São Paulo championships, a Brazilian Cup and a Copa Libertadores, a tournament in which he was the top scorer and MVP and which earned him his quick exit to European football.
It should be noted that his return would not only mark a potential revolution for the team but also for Brazilian football, rekindling the connection between Neymar and the fans who look forward to seeing him in action again on Brazilian soil.
