Neymar’s long-awaited return to Santos turned out to be something of mixed feelings for the fans, as the iconic player made his debut on February 5, 2025, during the 7th round of the Campeonato Paulista. Santos played to a 1-1 draw against Botafogo-SP at their home ground, Vila Belmiro.
The excitement was palpable among the 15,377 spectators, who had come to witness the Brazilian superstar rejoining the team after 12 years. When the stadium announcer confirmed Neymar’s presence on the bench, the crowd erupted—for many, this was more than just another match; it was a celebration of nostalgia and hope.
Santos started the game on the front foot, with Tiquinho Soares putting them ahead by converting a penalty kick late in the first half. But the joy was short-lived. Just after the second half resumed, Alexandre Jesus stunned the fans by scoring the equalizer for Botafogo-SP off a corner kick, much to the dismay of the home supporters.
Neymar entered the match right after halftime, subbing for Gabriel Bontempo. He donned the captain's armband from Diego Pituca—an emblematic moment reflecting his status within the team. Right from the start, the crowd cheered each touch made by Neymar, hoping to see his flair on the pitch once again. His first real contribution came when he led the charge for Santos, showcasing his classic dribbles and trademark passes.
One of the standout moments came when Neymar received the ball on the left side, deftly maneuvering past three defenders only to see his powerful left-footed shot thwarted by the outstanding reflexes of Botafogo's goalkeeper, João Carlos. Despite the disappointment of not scoring, Neymar's presence transformed the energy on the field. His every move was met with roars from the stands, reminiscent of his past triumphs with Santos.
The match, which started optimistically for the Peixe, dramatically shifted when Alexandre Jesus capitalized on defensive lapses during a corner taken by Douglas Baggio. His goal not only nullified Santos’s lead but left fans questioning their team’s defensive frailties early in the season. This was not the first time Santos struggled with set pieces, and it cast doubt on their defensive strategies moving forward.
Despite being down to ten men after Walisson's red card for Botafogo-SP following a foul on Guilherme, Santos couldn’t find the net again. Neymar, displaying his trademark agility, constantly sought opportunities, yet finding the back of the net proved elusive as time ticked away.
Following the match, Neymar addressed the media, balancing the disappointment of the draw with hope for the future. He reflected, "É uma tristeza terminar o aniversário com o gosto amargo do empate. Só pedir paciência para a torcida, porque esse time vai melhor e dar alegrias,” (It’s sad to end the birthday with the bitter taste of the draw. I just ask for patience from the fans, because this team will get stronger and bring joy). His remarks underscored his commitment to the club and desire for growth within the team.
Neymar also took the opportunity to respond to criticisms thrown his way by former coach Jorge Jesus, who had previously questioned the player’s fitness during his time at Al Hilal. Neymar expressed his frustration, saying, "Fiquei muito chateado com as palavras do Jorge Jesus. Nos treinos, eu mostrava que estava pronto para jogar e, nos coletivos, era quem decidia os jogos e fazia os gols," (I was very upset by Jorge Jesus's words. During training, I showed I was ready to play and decided matches and scored goals during practice). His response indicated his determination to prove himself on the field.
Statistically, Neymar demonstrated his influence during the 52 minutes spent on the pitch—notable for two shots on goal, considerable involvement through dribbling, and successful passing attempts. Although he encountered significant physical challenges, attracting several fouls from the opposition, his resilience shone through, indicating he is still capable of altering match dynamics.
The draw left Santos at the second position of Group B, raising concerns among fans about the team's overall performance this season. With only two wins from their first seven matches, it was clear improvements were necessary. Looking forward, upcoming fixtures against teams like Novorizontino and Corinthians will be pivotal for Santos as they aim to stabilize their campaign.
This match may not have yielded the desired outcome, but Neymar's appearance reignited excitement and hope among fans. For many, the true joy was witnessing their idol don the Santos jersey once again, believing brighter days lie ahead for the team. The question now remains: will they rise from this point onward, with Neymar steering the charge?