Promise Neymar never fulfilled: forward returns to Brazil

At 32 years old, and after nearly a year and a half with very little playing time, the forward is preparing to leave Al Hilal and return to Santos. Only a few details remain to finalize his departure from Saudi Arabia, whether on loan or permanently. The Brazilian international aims to play regularly with the 2026 World Cup in mind.

Promise Neymar never fulfilled: forward returns to Brazil
Photo Source: Getty Images

What once seemed like an impossible dream is now on the verge of becoming reality.

Nearly 12 years after leaving Santos to embark on a European football journey with Barcelona, Neymar is poised to return to the club that launched him into global stardom. The announcement has sparked excitement among fans, who are eager to see one of Brazil’s most celebrated players don the Santos jersey once again.

The main question surrounding Neymar’s return lies in the terms of his departure from Al Hilal, where his time has been anything but memorable. Signed in the summer of 2023 for a staggering €90 million, Neymar was expected to bring star power and transformative quality to the Saudi Arabian side. Instead, his tenure was derailed by a severe injury suffered while playing for Brazil in October of that year. Limited to just seven appearances and a single goal, Neymar's contributions fell far short of expectations.

According to Brazilian media, two possible scenarios are being discussed to facilitate Neymar’s return to Santos. The first involves a loan agreement until June 2024, when his contract with Al Hilal is set to expire. The second, more complex option would see Neymar terminate his contract with the Saudi club and join Santos permanently. However, this route is complicated by financial considerations, as Neymar is reportedly reluctant to forgo the €63 million he is still owed under his current deal.

What appears certain is that Neymar’s time in Saudi Arabia is coming to an end. The tipping point came last week when Al Hilal’s coach, Jorge Jesus, confirmed that Neymar would not be registered for the Saudi league for the remainder of the season. Citing Neymar’s inability to meet the team’s physical demands and the league’s strict foreign-player quota, Jesus stated that Neymar would only be considered for the AFC Champions League and the Club World Cup. For Neymar, who is focused on playing regularly to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, this limited role is far from ideal.

Neymar’s return to Santos represents more than just a move between clubs it is a deeply symbolic homecoming. At Santos, Neymar made his professional debut at just 17 years old and quickly became one of the most electrifying talents in football. His skill, flair, and goalscoring ability made him a global sensation, culminating in a high-profile transfer to Barcelona in 2013.

During his time at Barcelona, Neymar formed a legendary attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, winning multiple trophies, including the UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles. Despite these achievements, Neymar’s career has often been viewed as one of unfulfilled potential. While he remains the most expensive player in football history PSG paid €222 million to activate his release clause in 2017 Neymar has yet to win the Ballon d’Or, finishing third in 2015 and 2017. He also failed to lead Brazil to World Cup glory, an ambition that has eluded him despite his undeniable talent.

If Neymar’s move to Santos is finalized, he will be reunited with another Portuguese coach, Pedro Caixinha, who took charge of the Brazilian club earlier this season. Caixinha has expressed his admiration for Neymar’s ability but has also highlighted concerns about his physical condition. "Any coach in the world would love to have Neymar in their squad," Caixinha said. "We don’t know the state he is in, but he is a player of fantastic and undeniable quality who would be an asset to any team."

Santos fans, many of whom idolize Neymar as a club legend, are eagerly awaiting his return. The club has struggled in recent years, and Neymar’s arrival could provide a much-needed boost both on and off the pitch. His presence would not only raise the team’s profile but also inspire younger players who grew up watching him dominate defenses in his first spell at the club.

Neymar’s return also carries broader implications for Brazilian football. At a time when many top talents leave Brazil early in their careers, his decision to come back underscores the value of playing in the domestic league. For Santos, it is an opportunity to rekindle the magic that made Neymar a household name. For Neymar, it is a chance to reignite his career and prepare for what could be his last World Cup in 2026.

The football world will be closely watching how this chapter unfolds. Neymar’s journey has been one of dazzling highs and frustrating lows, but his return to Santos offers a chance for redemption. Whether through a loan or a permanent transfer, the move marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of football’s most captivating figures.