Neymar made a triumphant comeback by scoring his first goal in 16 months, leading Santos to a 3-1 victory over Agua Santa in the Paulista Championship. The Brazilian forward converted a penalty in the 14th minute, marking a significant milestone after a long injury layoff. Following Neymar’s lead, Thaciano added another goal, with Guilherme securing the win with a strike in the 70th minute after being set up by Neymar.
Neymar’s last goal occurred in October 2023 while he was with Al-Hilal, but a serious knee injury limited him to just seven appearances after he transferred to the Saudi club earlier that year. Reflecting on his return, the 33-year-old expressed his joy and dedication, stating, “I’m happy to be playing again. I feel I’m improving… I was anxious to score and wanted to dedicate this to the fans and my family.”
The forward’s career began at Santos when he was just 17 years old, where he scored 136 goals and contributed significantly to the club’s success, including their Copa Libertadores title in 2011. After a storied career with blockbuster moves to Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar returned to his roots at Santos, with a contract reportedly running until the end of June 2024. He noted the mutual support between himself and Santos, emphasizing the club’s role in helping him rediscover his passion for football.
Looking ahead, Santos will face Noroeste in their next match, and given Neymar’s recent performance, fans are hopeful for a resurgence in form for both the player and the club. Neymar’s return not only symbolizes personal redemption but also represents a new era for Santos as they seek to capitalize on his experience and skills in the upcoming matches.
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