Sport

Neymar announces return to Santos after injury-plagued stint at Al Hilal

Neymar announced Thursday that he will return to Santos, the Brazilian club where he began his career, after ending his injury-hit spell at Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal.

“I will sign a contract with Santos Futebol Clube,” Neymar shared on social media, posting images of his past with the club where football legend Pelé spent the majority of his career.

Santos responded to Neymar’s post, welcoming him back: “Your home awaits you. Your people await you.”

The 32-year-old forward, who previously played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, made just seven appearances for Al Hilal despite reportedly earning around $104 million a year.

Neymar joined the Saudi club in August 2023, following Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to the Gulf, but his time in Riyadh was marred by injury.

Two months after arriving, Neymar suffered a torn cruciate ligament in his left knee while playing for Brazil in a World Cup qualifier, keeping him sidelined for a year. He also struggled with hamstring and knee issues as he attempted a return.

Al Hilal’s coach, Jorge Jesus, recently remarked, “He can no longer play at the level we are used to. Things have become difficult for him, unfortunately.”

Neymar’s return to Brazil is seen as a final chance for his faltering career, with hopes of securing a spot in the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

While Neymar’s decision to move back to Brazil could spark excitement among Santos fans, it also presents challenges, with the club having only returned to the top division in 2023.

The busy schedule includes the Sao Paulo State tournament, Brazilian Cup, and the national championship starting in March. However, at 32, Neymar’s prime years seem behind him, and his return marks a critical juncture in his career.

Idoko Dennis

Idoko Dennis is a creative videographer/drone pilot and sport writer. He heads the sport desk and deputizes the head of Idoma TV

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