OFFICIAL: Neymar announces Santos return with emotional video

Tom Weber

• Updated: 30 Jan 2025 19:29 GMT
• 4 min read

Breaking

Neymar has confirmed that he will return to Santos with an emotional social media video.

One of the worst-kept secrets of the January transfer window has been officially confirmed. Brazilian superstar Neymar is set to return to boyhood club, the club of his heart, Santos.

The 32-year-old's Al-Hilal contract was terminated after injuries restricted him to just a handful of appearances in 18 months and Neymar has now announced on his social media channels that he is heading back to Brazil.

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The former Barcelona and PSG star is expected to pen a short-term contract until the summer. He will then reconsider his options in the next window.

It is not impossible that he remains with the Serie A club long-term, but some outlets, including Sky Germany, have reported that Neymar still feels as though he has unfinished business in Europe after several disappointing seasons.

Neymar also previously admitted that he is attracted to a move to Major League Soccer in the United States.

Neymar announces Santos return

Santos have yet to officially confirm Neymar's arrival, but the player himself has already taken to social media to announce that he will sign with his boyhood club.

"Hey guys, feels like I'm going back in time," he said in a two-and-a-half-minute video clip. "I'm here with my friends and family and they helped me to write a few things.

"I just can't hold it until tomorrow. My family and my friends already know my decision. I'll sign the contract with Santos Futebol Clube. I want to thank my friends from all over the world, wishing for this moment to come true for a long time.

"It's been almost 12 years since I left the most famous Vila in the world. And it seems like it was yesterday. My feelings for the club and fans never changed.

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"I lived wonderful moments in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia welcomed me in a surreal way. Not only me but my family as well. I was very happy here and will take these memories with me for the rest of my life.

"But I suffered a very serious injury that prevented me from returning the favour the way I'd like to. I will be rooting for the success of the World Cup 2034. The Saudi people deserve it, and I want to be there, following up close on the evolution of this wonderful country.

"But now I need to play again. And only a club like Santos Futebol Clube can provide the love I need to prepare for the coming challenges of the next years.

"And all of you, regardless of your club, know very well what I mean. I hope you're all with me on this next step of my life. I'm thankful for all your support, even in my most difficult moments. And there were a lot of them.

"Playing football, doing what I most love in my life. That's what makes me happy."