Neymar Returns to Santos FC: A Career Comes Full Circle
The return of Neymar Jr. to Santos FC means the club where he started his professional career can boast that he was once with them. After an illustrious career in Europe and a brief spell in Saudi Arabia at Al Hilal, the Brazilian star signed a six-month contract with his boyhood club in January 2025. This homecoming has become symbolic of his career, filling Brazilian fans with hope and excitement.

Al Hilal Stint and Major Injury Setback
Misfortune dogged Neymar’s stint at Al Hilal. In October 2023, he suffered a major setback tearing his ACL and damaging his meniscus, which would keep him out for some 10 months. The injury cut down on his appearances and eventually led to an agreed termination of his contract with the Saudi club.

New Injury in the Debut Match with Santos

In the eagerly awaited debut for Santos, Neymar took to the field for the first time on April 17, 2025, against Atletico Mineiro. Unfortunately, he was forced off the pitch in the 34th minute due to a new hamstring injury in the semimembranosus muscle. The club confirmed the injury and stated that no return date has been decided, as the extent is still being monitored week-by-week by medical staff.

Emotional Response and Fan Reactions
Neymar, known for his emotional connection to the game, was seen crying as he was subbed off. His injury has sparked concern among fans and criticism when he was later spotted at Rio’s Carnival during his recovery. Neymar addressed the issue, saying he experienced pain during training and chose to rest to avoid further damage.

National Team Absence and Coach’s Remarks
Brazilian national team coach Dorival Júnior clarified Neymar’s exclusion from upcoming World Cup qualifiers. He emphasized that Neymar is nearing full recovery but needs more match time with Santos before being considered for international duties. The coach also stated he doesn’t want to rush the forward’s return.

Neymar Reflects on His Career and Injuries
Neymar acknowledged that repeated injuries have disrupted his career but remains thankful for what he has achieved. Still that setback notwithstanding, his motivation remains high along with the hope of a stronger comeback.

No Set Return Date Yet
It is not yet known when Neymar will return to training. Each week, his condition will be evaluated. The recovery could last anywhere between days and months, depending on the severity.