Neymar Scores First Goals Since Santos Return
Neymar silenced his critics by scoring his first goals since returning to Santos, marking a successful homecoming for the Brazilian superstar. His performance provides a major boost to the club as it seeks a resurgence in domestic and continental competitions.
The Brazilian's return to his boyhood club in January 2025 came after a frustrating and injury-plagued period in Saudi Arabia with Al Hilal. His time in the Saudi Pro League was cut short after he ruptured a cruciate ligament, limiting him to just a handful of appearances and no goals for the club. This comeback is a far cry from his first celebrated tenure at Santos from 2009 to 2013. During that initial spell, Neymar scored 138 goals in 230 matches, famously leading the club to a Copa Libertadores championship in 2011. Neymar rejoins a Santos side that has faced its own significant challenges recently. The club suffered its first-ever relegation from the top flight of Brazilian football in its 111-year history at the end of 2023, though they secured promotion back to Série A for the 2025 season. The two goals came in a league match against Vasco da Gama, securing a 2-1 victory for Santos. He initially signed a six-month contract, which has since been extended to the end of the Brazilian season in December.
