Neymar was hailed 12 or 13 years ago as the future biggest star of world football and a player who could rival Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in greatness. He didn’t reach the heights of the Argentine magician or the Portuguese machine, nor did he manage to match the trophy achievements of Ronaldinho or “El Fenómeno” Ronaldo.He never became a world champion, missed out on the Champions League trophy with Paris Saint-Germain, but will still be remembered as a football maestro. Now, he has returned to his one true home—Santos—where the 33-year-old will be met with unprecedented euphoria.Agreement reached – Neymar is coming homeNeymar announced his return to Santos through a video the previous evening, and the streets of Rio de Janeiro clearly reflect what his comeback means for Brazilian football. Unique transparent trucks are parading across the city, showcasing jerseys behind glass. Some are displayed as souvenirs, representing different kits from his first stint at the club, while others are being transported to official club stores.Acabou de estacionar um CAMINHÃO da Santos Store com camisas para serem vendidas aqui. pic.twitter.com/6J35bCSa5s— Bruno Giufrida (@bgiufrida) January 31, 2025 Reporters from Brazil’s Globo report that the queues in front of Santos’ stores are so long that fans are waiting an average of two hours to get their turn to buy a jersey. The entire evening and night will be dedicated to a grand gala ceremony for his unveiling.Murals featuring Neymar’s likeness are being painted on walls in neighborhoods close to Santos supporters, while the iconic Vila Belmiro stadium will host a musical program leading up to the moment when Brazilian footballer addresses the fans in the stands.MC Bin se apresenta no gramado da Vila Belmiro. Muita chuva por aqui neste momento. pic.twitter.com/dMWbQlU7rO— Bruno Giufrida (@bgiufrida) January 31, 2025 Every step he takes is being closely followed, with journalists reporting in such detail that they announce when he is five kilometers away, then two kilometers, and finally just a few hundred meters from the stadium.In his first stint with Santos, he played 225 matches, scored 136 goals, and recorded 64 assists before transferring to Barcelona in the summer of 2013. Now, after 11 and a half years, he has returned home, signing a six-month contract, with discussions about a possible extension to follow.##NAJAVA_MECA_8674021##
