Neymar to return to Santos in 2025: reports
Neymar could leave Al-Hilal to return to his original club Santos next year, according to media reports in Brazil.
Neymar attended Santos' 1-0 home victory over Palmeiras in the first leg of the Sao Paulo state championship final on Sunday and was a guest of honor in his former club's dressing room after the match.
Brazil's Neymar reacts before a friendly soccer match between Brazil and Qatar in Brasilia, Brazil, June 5, 2019. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
The 32 year-old told Santos players that he would consider returning to the club when his existing contract with Al-Hilal expires in June 2025, the Uol sports outlet reported.
The forward has not played since suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus of his left knee in Brazil's 2-0 defeat to Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier on October 17, 2023. He is expected to return in July or August.
Neymar would join a growing list of high profile Brazilian footballers to return to their homeland after conquering Europe.
Other examples over the past 15 years include Ronaldo (Corinthians), Ronaldinho (Atletico Mineiro, Fluminense) and Kaka (Sao Paulo).
Santos president Marcelo Teixeira has spoken repeatedly of his desire for Neymar to return to the club that launched his career.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward played for Santos from 2009 to 2013, helping them to Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brasil titles.