March 03, (THEWILL) – Neymar returned to Santos in 2025, displaying the exceptional skill that once captivated football fans during his time at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
The Brazilian forward, now 33, rejoined his boyhood club in January on a six-month contract following a mutual termination with Saudi side Al Hilal.
In his opening seven matches, Neymar has contributed three goals and three assists, averaging a goal or assist every 85 minutes.
His recent performances in the Campeonato Paulista have reignited interest in his abilities, with fans and analysts noting a clear return to top-level football.
In a standout moment on February 23, Neymar scored an olimpico goal directly from a corner kick during Santos’ 3-0 victory over Internacional de Limeira.
This feat followed jeers from opposing supporters, which he acknowledged post-match, stating: “Jeering fans from Internacional de Limeira provoked me to score the first olimpico of my career.”
The goal, combined with his involvement in all three goals scored, underlined his growing influence on the pitch.
Statistics from Neymar’s initial six games reveal 21 key passes and five big chances created, affirming his impact beyond scoring.
His return to Santos marks his first spell with the club since 2013 when he departed for Barcelona after netting 136 goals in 225 appearances. How current stint has already added three goals to that tally, bringing his Santos total to 139 in 234 matches.
The forward has voiced satisfaction with his progress, saying after a 3-1 win against Agua Santa on 16 February, “I am happy to be playing again. I feel I am improving.”
This sentiment reflects his focus on regaining match fitness following an injury-plagued period with Al Hilal, where he managed just seven appearances.
Beyond personal achievements, Neymar’s presence has bolstered Santos’ standing in the Campeonato Paulista, with the team leading Group B.
His contributions extend to assisting teammates, such as setting up Guilherme’s goal against Agua Santa, demonstrating his playmaking ability remains intact.
Off the field, speculation surrounds his future, with reports suggesting a potential return to European football, notably Barcelona, by mid-2025.
However, Santos president Marcelo Teixeira remains confident Neymar will stay until at least the 2026 World Cup, citing his emotional bond with the club.
The Brazilian’s form has also caught the attention of the national team, with his inclusion in Brazil’s preliminary squad for the March 2025 South American qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.
Coach Dorival Júnior views Neymar’s resurgence as vital ahead of the 2026 World Cup, a tournament the player has confirmed will be his last for Brazil.
With his contract at Santos set to expire at the end of June, Neymar’s next move remains uncertain, but his current performances suggest he still possesses the quality to compete at elite levels, whether in Brazil or abroad.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
