Neymar had a moderate return to the field for Santos but received a jubilant welcome from the fans while replaced as a substitute against Botafogo. The crowd of the Urbano Caldeira stadium welcomed it with noisy cheers and lit his mobile phone to celebrate the opportunity.
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Neymar’s return to Brazilian football was celebrated on Wednesday when he was long -awaited in his childhood club Santos with their match against Botafogo. The star striker, who recently ended his contract with Al-Hilal Mutually, however, had a moderate start when Santos played a 1-1 dull draw with Botafogo in the Brélien Brélista championship.
His Return to Brazilian Domestic Football, However, was not subdued as the urbano caldeira stadium erupted in celebration, jubilant and tearful fans lit up their mobones to give the striker, who left the club 12 years ago, a Hero’s Welcome before Kick-Off .
Neymar, who celebrated his 33rd anniversary, started on the bench and came after the break while Santos had taken the lead thanks to the penalty of Tubinho Soares in the first half.
Neymar back: “I can’t find the words to describe the feeling”
However, the striker fought under pressure from his first game in 16 months.
He tried to evoke part of the magic that placed him among the best in the world for five years in Barcelona, but it was not enough.
Botafogo equalized by Alexander of Jesus in the 67th minute. Wallison was sent four minutes later for a fault on Neymar, but Santos could not take advantage of their higher number.
“I can’t find the words to express the feeling when you like something. I love Santos a lot and I can’t find the words to describe the feeling I felt when I got out on the field today, “said Neymar after the match.
Botafogo players queue to take photos with Neymar after the game 😭pic.twitter.com/8sxrnsLxi1
– All Things Brazil ™ 🇧🇷 (@selecaotalk) February 6, 2025
“It was a very difficult match. I even commented that my father was there on the side. I said, it’s a difficult game, they mark a lot in the back, it’s a team that defends a lot, a lot of strike. And they found a ball and scored. I think it’s time for me to be patient and to practice, “added the player.
Neymar, who joined the Saudi side al-Hilal of Paris St Germain, was limited to seven appearances after having torn the anterior cross ligament and the meniscus in his left knee during a qualifier of the World Cup against Uruguay in October.
His return to Santos is an agreement which, according to the attacker, will make his illustrious career complete, while he tries to do what he likes most: “Look again at football”.
With agency entries
