Neymar Scores on Santos Return

After his penalty set Santos up for a 3-1 win against Agua Santa in the Paulista Championship on Sunday, Neymar scored for the first time in 16 months and stated he was pleased to be back.

The 33-year-old scored in the 14th minute from the spot, Thaciano added a second, and Guilherme sealed the win in the 70th minute after Neymar assisted. Neymar last scored for Al-Hilal in October 2023.Neymar last scored for Al-Hilal in October 2023. After joining Saudi Arabia in 2023, a significant knee injury limited him to seven games.

I’m glad to play again. He said he’s improving. My fourth game, so I’m not 100% physically, but I’m improving.

“I was anxious to score and wanted to dedicate this to the fans and my family.”

Neymar joined Santos at 17 in 2009 and scored 136 goals and 64 assists in 225 appearances to help the team win their first Copa Libertadores title in nearly 50 years in 2011.

He joined Barcelona in 2013, went to Paris St. Germain for a world record 222 million euros ($232 million) in August 2017, and then joined Al-Hilal for roughly 90 million euros. Neymar’s Santos contract continues until June, according to Brazilian media.

“We’re helping each other, Santos are helping me, they’ve opened doors for me to rediscover soccer, to rediscover joy,” Neymar stated regarding extending the contract.

“I didn’t want a long contract since I didn’t know how to return. It was unclear how I would feel during these months. Enjoy this moment, Santos’ new era begins.”

Santos face Noroeste in the Paulista on Wednesday.