World-class footballer Neymar made his first appearance for Santos FC Brazilian club since rejoining following his team switch at Santos, Brazil stadium on February 7th, 2025. Neymar appeared to the crowd for the first time since his Santos return in a Campeonato Paulista game against Botafogo-SP at Vila Belmiro Stadium. The spectators at Vila Belmiro Stadium reacted with immense exuberance when Neymar entered the game from bench duty in his debut appearance after staying with European clubs for more than ten years.
The 1-1 draw outcome of the game failed to diminish the way Neymar energized the entire stadium. The fans reacted with a previously unmatched intensity toward his homecoming by turning on their mobile phone screens while chanting his name amidst the stadium-wide celebration. Neymar expressed his extreme emotional state after the game during his post-match interview. He explained that he could not find the proper words to describe his feelings. I feel like a dream has come true by being here again in this shirt after ten long years.
I was still recuperating from a chronic knee injury and had yet to regain complete match fitness.
The game reflected this; he had a few moments of brilliance, but little else in the decisive plays. Neymar admitted he required more time to return to full rhythm but was eager to do his part for the team. “I know I have to play more to reach my peak, but just playing on this field again is everything to me,” he said.
Neymar’s return to Santos comes nearly 12 years after leaving to play in Europe and the Middle East. He became a global superstar while at FC Barcelona, winning the Champions League alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez after leaving Brazil in 2013.
He later moved to Paris Saint-Germain in a record transfer before eventually joining Saudi club Al-Hilal. Now back in Brazil, Neymar’s return has excited the Santos fans, who hope to see him carry the team to better fortunes. Football stars across the world acknowledged the moment, as messages of support were sent from some of Sao Paulo’s very own, like Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes.
Fans have been flooding in on social media to pay tribute to Neymar’s return home. In his efforts to get back in shape, Neymar will have to deliver for Santos in every upcoming match. Just being present seems to resuscitate hope for the club, and the wait is on for the day when the hero returns in full bloom. But for now, he has a task to focus on: to regain proper fitness and make Santos a grand force once again.