Neymar Jr. is officially heading back to where his storied career began. On January 27, 2025, the Brazilian soccer superstar mutually agreed to terminate his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, marking the end of his turbulent spell after just 18 months with the team. Al Hilal announced the termination shortly after negotiations wrapped up, expressing gratitude for Neymar’s contributions during his tenure with the club.
Having joined Al Hilal for approximately 90 million euros (around £77.6 million) in August 2023, Neymar's time at the Saudi Pro League club was marked by injuries and limited appearances. The 32-year-old forward played only seven matches during his stint, primarily due to serious knee issues, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) which he sustained playing for Brazil.
According to football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Neymar will now return to Santos, his first professional club, where he initially made significant waves on the football scene. "Neymar Jr. back to Santos, story confirmed and HERE WE GO!" Romano stated via social media, signaling the excitement surrounding his return.
Al Hilal attributed their decision to mutual consent, stating, "The club expresses its thanks and appreciation to Neymar for what he has provided throughout his career at Al-Hilal, and wish the player success in his career." The Brazilian’s departure from Al Hilal was facilitated by the fact he had around seven months remaining on his lucrative contract, worth 150 million euros per year.
Despite the high expectations surrounding his move to Al Hilal, Neymar’s hopes of making history were dashed as he struggled to find his place on the team due to recurring health issues. He only participated in two games this season, culminating his playing time to just 42 minutes throughout his final year with the club.
Now, as Neymar prepares to don the Santos jersey once more, he is expected to sign a six-month contract, with the option for another year, which is being delayed only by paperwork. This return is not only significant for Neymar, but also for Santos, who were recently promoted back to Brazil's top division after winning the Serie B title. The club will officially announce Neymar’s signing soon, with plans to showcase him to fans by January 29.
Returning to Santos holds immense importance for Neymar. The club is where he started his career, scoring 136 goals across 225 appearances from 2009 to 2013 and leading them to numerous trophies, including the Copa Libertadores. Santos, once facing relegation, now aims to rebuild with Neymar back at the helm as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Neymar's decision to return to Brazil has ignited excitement among fans, particularly as many had entertained thoughts of him joining Major League Soccer. Reports indicated interest from teams like the Chicago Fire, yet Neymar’s family prioritized returning to Santos over moving to the U.S.
By terminating his contract with Al Hilal, Neymar is effectively forfeiting roughly $25 to $30 million of his remaining salary, reportedly $65 million, to make this transition possible. Although he is still negotiating certain aspects of his contract's financials, it seems clear Neymar is determined to recoup some of the loss from Al Hilal before completely shifting gears.
Neymar recently became Brazil’s all-time leading male goalscorer, but with his involvement limited due to injuries, he has not been part of the national team setup since his knee injury. The Santos return presents him the opportunity to not only revive his club career but also strengthen his case for inclusion on Brazil's roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled next year.
With Santos now reinstated to compete among Brazil’s elite after their relegation scare, having Neymar back is seen as both reinforcement and inspiration. The return of such an accomplished player at the club can potentially reignite the team’s competitive spirit and draw attention back to Brazilian football, which had been overshadowed by leagues overseas.
What awaits Neymar is the familiar turf of Vila Belmiro, where he first dazzled fans and set the stage for his eventual high-profile move to Barcelona and later Paris Saint-Germain. The hopes are high as fans and analysts alike wonder what impact Neymar can rekindle upon his anticipated homecoming.
Now, with the promise of new beginnings and old memories, Santos and Neymar aim high as they prepare for the upcoming Campeonato Paulista. The world will be watching to see whether this ambitious return unleashes the superstar talent within Neymar once more.