Neymar Struggles at Santos in His Long-Awaited Return
“I’m leaving, but I’ll be back.” Those were Neymar’s words in 2013 before departing Santos for Barcelona. More than a decade later, he made good on that promise—but his return hasn’t gone as planned.
After just seven Saudi league appearances with Al-Hilal, Neymar rejoined Santos with massive fanfare and a five-month contract. Early performances teased a fairytale comeback, including a memorable goal against Flamengo. But recent form and behavior have painted a different picture.
Fan Frustration Grows as Results Collapse
Neymar struggles at Santos intensified after a string of poor results. Losses to Mirassol and Internacional exposed deeper team issues. In a heated moment, Neymar confronted a fan after a 2-1 defeat, igniting further backlash. The supporter later claimed Neymar verbally abused him, despite only asking for more commitment.
Neymar fired back, insisting fans have the right to critique performance—but not to insult or target his family. The incident marked a clear turning point in the strained relationship between Neymar and the Santos faithful.
Off-Pitch Criticism Adds Fuel to the Fire
Accusations of poor professionalism also surfaced. Neymar missed key matches due to injury but appeared days earlier at the Rio Carnival. Critics like Walter Casagrande claimed Santos had turned into a “beach club,” fueled by Neymar’s off-field lifestyle and his father’s comments about him returning “to recover.”
While shirt sales and sponsor deals surged, on-field results failed to match the hype. Santos extended Neymar’s contract until the end of the year, but rumors of a European return remain unlikely. Analyst Felipe Noronha noted: “I think the European market has closed its doors to him.”
Neymar Still Has Time to Reignite His Legacy
Despite setbacks, Neymar’s class remains undeniable. In a recent 3-1 win over Juventude, he scored twice, registering his first brace since September 2023. With three goals in nine matches this season, Neymar appears to be gaining rhythm.
His numbers were impressive: leading in shots, duels, chances created, and passes in the final third. He’s knocking on the door of the national team again as Brazil prepares for September’s World Cup qualifiers.
Can Neymar Salvage His Santos Return?
With time still left in the season, Neymar struggles at Santos could yet turn into a redemption arc. But for now, he finds himself in a battle to prove that his return to Brazil is more than just a farewell tour.
