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WATCH: Neymar gets emotional during his return to Santos

Neymar Jr.'s return to his childhood club, Santos, is one of the most eagerly awaited comebacks in Brazilian and international soccer history. The Brazilian star broke down in tears during his official presentation

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Varun Sarwate
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NEEEYMAR

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Neymar Jr.'s return to his childhood club, Santos, was one of the most eagerly awaited comebacks in Brazilian and international soccer history. The Brazilian star broke down in tears during his official presentation as thousands of fans yelled his name. Neymar suffered from chronic ailments that kept him out of action for more than a year, which contributed significantly to his difficulties at Al Hilal. 

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Neymar scored one goal in seven games over an injury-plagued 18 months, and on Monday, Saudi Pro League team Al Hilal announced that they had agreed to terminate his contract. The forward decided to return home since he had no position in Jorge Jesus' team. Although he made a comeback to the field in October, a hamstring injury kept him from contributing significantly to the team.

Neymar accepted without hesitation as Santos, anxious to welcome back their prodigal son, seized the opportunity. Neymar took the stage to an ear-splitting cheer from the crowded Vila Belmiro stadium. After seeing Neymar, fans in the stadium couldn’t control their feelings and chanted, "Ole, ole, ole ola Neymar, Neymar!" The star footballer could not hold back his tears watching this. 

Watch the video here:

After a 12-year, Santos's Neymar, also known as "O Principe" (The Prince), has returned to carry on "O Rei" Pele's legacy. In an exhilarating atmosphere, tens of thousands of fans crowded Vila Belmiro despite the gloomy weather. Neymar seized the mic and spoke to the audience for the first time after the fireworks show concluded, "I am very happy. We lived great moments here. There's still a lot that could come," Neymar said on the pitch. When fans chanted they wanted to see him dribble again, as he often did in his career, he said, "I will not lack boldness [to dribble]."

When will Neymar play his first game?

After being formally unveiled on January 31, Santos will play Sao Paulo in a pivotal Paulista Championship match on February 1. His involvement has not been disqualified despite the short notice. Santos' encounter against Botafogo-SP on February 5 is another crucial occasion if he is not included in that game. Neymar last played in a competitive match on November 4, 2023, against Esteghlal; however, he may be ready to play again after participating in training sessions with Al Hilal. 

Neymar Santos Escobar
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