Neymar’s Journey Back to Santos: Challenges and Future Prospects

omidbasir- There is considerable excitement surrounding Neymar’s potential return to his childhood club, Santos, set for early 2025 following the termination of his contract with Al-Hilal.

In late January, the former Paris Saint-Germain star was officially welcomed back by the Brazilian giants, eager to regain his form and reestablish his position in the national team. Although he has scored seven goals and provided three assists in 25 appearances across all competitions, his time on the field has been marred by injuries.

Neymar’s ongoing struggles with injuries have sidelined him for several matches, coinciding with Santos’s precarious position just above the relegation zone. Recent reports from BeIN Sports indicate that Neymar has been experiencing knee discomfort this week, forcing him to miss the upcoming match against Internacional, a crucial contest for both teams, currently placed 17th and 15th in the Brasileiro Serie A. Thankfully, there is no structural damage reported, but the persistent pain raises concerns within the club.

Neymar’s contract with Santos is set to expire at the end of this year, potentially making him a free agent by early 2026, just six months before the World Cup. Although contract negotiations have yet to make significant progress, club president Marcelo Teixeira remains optimistic about reaching an agreement. He stated earlier this month: “Neymar’s project is the 2026 World Cup. If there’s consensus, he will extend. There is great trust between him and the club, and I believe we’ll find a solution at the right moment.”

While there is no assurance that Neymar will remain with Santos, a transfer to rivals Fluminense has been dismissed by club president Mario Bittencourt, who tweeted that there has been no recent contact between Fluminense and Neymar or his representatives. He emphasized that both the player and Santos are fully committed to achieving success in the Brazilian Championship.

Despite not including Neymar in the latest Brazil squads, current Selecao coach Carlo Ancelotti has issued a clear ultimatum: Neymar must stay fit and perform well to be considered for the 2026 World Cup. Ancelotti remarked, “Neymar is on the list of players who can go to the World Cup. He has six months to prove himself. Neymar has recovered, but he needs to demonstrate his performance.”

The former AC Milan manager also advised Neymar on his playing style as he prepares for the prestigious tournament. “Today’s football demands physical condition and intensity, not just talent. I hope Neymar can reach his optimal level. He needs to play more centrally, as wingers today must also contribute defensively, whereas playing more centrally reduces that responsibility.”

As Santos prepares for their match against Internacional without Neymar, they aim to alleviate their relegation concerns. Currently, they sit one place and three points above the relegation zone, with only four fixtures remaining in the season. Whether Neymar will be able to contribute to their efforts in this critical time remains uncertain.