Neymar reacts to Santos debut: They tried to break my ankles!

Neymar made his second debut for Santos on Wednesday in a 1-1 draw with Botafogo and was clearly delighted to be back at the heart of the action, despite failing to mark his return to the club with a goal or an assist.

After playing just 42 minutes for Al-Hilal this season, Neymar was released by the Saudi Pro League club to go back to his homeland.

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Current ETV

Neymar

F (L), M (C)

Santos

Neymar

F (L), M (C)

Santos

€7.1M

ETV Range

€6M – €8.2M

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The former Barcelona and PSG star has reportedly taken a pay cut of more than 90% to sign a six-month contract with Santos, and his second spell at the club started with a 45-minute appearance in a draw with Botafogo.

His standout moment came when he gathered the ball on the edge of the box before dribbling by a couple of players and forcing a good save from opposition goalkeeper Joao Carlos following a crisp left-footed shot.

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After the game, Neymar was inundated by Botafogo players who wanted to get their picture taken by the Brazil icon.

“I’m happy to be back on the field and I didn’t think I’d run so much,” he said after coming on as a half-time substitute.

“I felt good. I’m lacking rhythm but in three or four matches, I’ll be better. Soon I’ll be at 100%.

“After the match, the Botafogo players all wanted photos with me, but during the game they almost broke my ankles!

“But that’s normal, there are no issues. I’m happy with the affection that they have for me.”

‘It’s like Jesus has returned!’

Neymar’s return has sparked new life around the whole club, which had been in a slump before he came back.

“It’s like Jesus has just come back to earth!” Brazilian rapper Mano Brown declared.

Brazilian journalist Bruno Lima, who works for Trivela, told L’Equipe: “It’s total euphoria. The fans were depressed after several horrible seasons. They were preparing to experience a difficult 2025 season, with little means and ambition, but with Neymar, it’s as if the light had just come on!”

Neymar has hooked up with Santos for six months but is already trying to recruit more superstars to the club.