‘I will play for you in 2025’

Neymar has told the people at Santos that he will return next year. This is what the usually reliable report says UOL Esporte, according to a source within the club’s board. Neymar visited Santos on Sunday and is said to have shared the news then.

The Brazilian superstar is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury and can often be found in his native country during his rehabilitation. This was also the case on Sunday, when Santos played the final of the Campeonato Paulista – the competition of the state of São Paulo – against Palmeiras (1-0 win).

Neymar visited the dressing room before the match to wish the players good luck. During that short visit, the 32-year-old attacker reportedly said that he would help in the battle for the Brazilian championship again in 2025.

Neymar is probably referring to the moment when his contract with Al-Hilal expires. The 128-time Brazilian international signed a two-year contract in Saudi Arabia last summer, for a monster salary of reportedly 150 million euros net per year. That adventure cannot yet be called a success. Neymar had only played five matches when he tore his cruciate ligament.

There will be no more matches this Saudi Pro League season. Neymar was injured in October, and the last round of matches will take place on May 27. There is also a big question mark behind the Copa América. The prestigious South American tournament starts on June 20.

Neymar now seems to be gradually winding down his career. Santos will play in the second level next season and will have to promote if the attacker is to achieve his championship dream.

Neymar made his breakthrough at Santos before moving to FC Barcelona in 2013. Brazilian legend Pelé and Real Madrid striker Rodrygo also come from the talent factory Peixe.