Deivid Washington, the esteemed striker, was officially presented by Santos FC on Thursday, February 27, 2025, marking his return to the club where he first made his mark. Donning the number 36 jersey—previously worn by the Santos legend Giovanni—Washington could hardly contain his joy as he expressed heartfelt emotions about rejoining the team.
Reflecting on his initial stint at Santos, Washington admitted to yearning for more playing time before making his move to Chelsea. "I am truly happy. I always wanted to play professionally for Santos. I had the opportunity in 2023, but returning now in 2025 is immense pride for me. There’s nothing more to say. It was a huge experience. My departure back then was all part of God's plan. I wanted to stay, but on the final day, I prayed, spoke with my parents, and everyone. I had the chance to go to Chelsea, and I felt it was meant to be," Washington recounted.
Despite the allure of European football, Washington's heart remained tied to his roots at Santos. His time at Chelsea has been filled with gratitude for the learning opportunities it provided. "It was significant; I was with incredible players, including Brazilian icon Thiago Silva. I was very fortunate to work alongside them. It was a remarkable chapter in my career," he reflected on his experiences abroad.
A sign of his commitment to Santos, Washington made it clear he actively sought his return after experiencing the glamour of Chelsea. "I always wanted to come back to Santos. I was already discussing loan options. I informed Chelsea it was my top choice. I wanted to create a legacy here, even if it was just for a year. I will do everything possible to win a title and make history," he asserted, emphasizing his ambition to contribute significantly to the club.
One of the most exciting prospects for Washington is the opportunity to play alongside Neymar, one of football's biggest stars. His initial meeting with Neymar left quite the impression on him, as he shared, "When I arrived, I had just become the South American champion. I went for physiotherapy when he approached me, congratulated me on the title, and I was at a loss for words. Nothing came to mind. I was a bit starstruck. Seeing an idol face-to-face is something else entirely. I'm just so happy to have at least watched the games and remembered I was champion."
Neymar’s support and recognition have only fueled Washington’s excitement, as the young striker now envisions making impactful memories on the pitch with his idol. Further solidifying his fame, Washington finished as the top scorer during the U-20 South American Championship held recently, ending his run with three goals—an indicator of his readiness to tackle challenges with Santos.
Washington's return to Santos is more than just about football; it’s about fulfilling dreams and building legacies. His future endeavors with Santos as they pursue titles together with Neymar and the rest of the squad promise to be electrifying. With Washington's fervor and ambition, it seems the best is yet to come for both him and Santos FC.
Fans can look forward to seeing their beloved player back where he belongs, wearing the iconic colors of Santos FC, aiming for glory and creating unforgettable moments on the field.