Neymar’s Homecoming Falters as Santos Struggles

There is often a fairy tale feel when a player ends their career at the club where they began. When it was announced in January that Neymar would be returning to his boyhood club, Santos, the storyline was inevitable.

The young prince who left to conquer Europe returns to repay the fans who were there from the start.

Neymar Jr, back to Santos… here we go, confirmed by @SantosFC! ⚪️⚫️🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/bTT1A4CTeO

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 31, 2025

However, his return has not been as glorious as we footballing romantics may have hoped.

Santos, one of Brazil's most successful clubs and lauded for their Joga Bonito style, has been on a downward trajectory for some time.

In 2023, for the first time in their 111-year history, Santos were relegated from Brazil's top-flight. Chaos ensued on the streets, with fans bewildered at the downfall of their club.

Fortunately, Santos returned to the top division on the first time of asking. As Santos searched for a positive spark, and with Neymar itching to leave Saudi Arabia, it seemed that the stars aligned for all involved.

The Return

Signed in January, Neymar still had issues with injuries that have plagued him for large parts of his later career, but he did help his side reach the semi-finals of the Campeonato Paulista, contributing three goals and three assists along the way.

In the Serie A, however, there has been no marked improvement, and in some areas the side has regressed. And after the 2-1 defeat to Internacional on Friday night, tempers began to flare between the fans and Neymar, with Santos falling into the relegation zone.

Santos lost once again last night and they now find themselves in the RELEGATION zone. 🇧🇷

After the game, Neymar got into a heated argument with fans. 😤 pic.twitter.com/7zuQ4XMGME

— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) July 24, 2025

The fans have now turned on their captain, reportedly labelling him a 'mercenary' after his subpar performances since announcing his contract extension in June. The former Brazil captain has managed only a single goal in his seven league games played and missed eight through a combination of suspension and injury.

It's clear that the issues at Santos are deeper than just Neymar, and he feels that he is being unfairly scapegoated. He took to social media following the altercation on Friday, where he claimed the fan also made comments about his family.

A Career of Criticism

It was a simpler time during his first stint at Santos, when he was a wonderkid with the world at his feet. Then, after making the move to Barcelona in 2014, the levels of attention rose exponentially as he formed one of history's great attacking trios alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

With many claiming that he was not satisfied being in Messi's shadow, and others claiming that he was chasing the money. Neymar's 2017 move to PSG for a world record €222 million arguably changed the transfer landscape forever.

Anyone who says that his time with the Parisians wasn't successful is lying, but it is no secret that PSG's desire has always been the Champions League, which Neymar was unable to deliver.

For the Brazilian national team, his goal record was incredible. Still, when compared to the likes of Pele and Ronaldo, Neymar has not delivered the all-important silverware that Brazilian fans have come to expect.

In a move that didn't ease the money chasing allegations, Neymar moved to Saudi side Al Hilal in the summer of 2023 for €90 million, and made a meagre seven appearances in the Middle East. It seemed that a career destined for so much was petering out.

Neymar's Response

In a lengthy post on Instagram, Neymar defended his altercation with a Santos fan, during which he had to be held back by a teammate and a steward:

"What he can't do is offend me, the way he offended me... (unfortunately, at the time I only listened to him talk, the game was paused).

"Talking about I'm a mercenary with my father, talking about my family/friends.. sorry but it's difficult to control!"

Neymar reiterated how much Santos means to him and his determination to bring success to the club. He added:

"I came to Santos to try and help the club the best way I can, on and off the pitch! "And on the day when the fans think I can no longer help or that I'm hurting the club in some way, I'm the first to grab my stuff and leave!"

"Santos FC is one of my greatest passions, and as long as I have strength, I will do my best for this club.""Santos FC is one of my greatest passions, and as long as I have strength, I will do my best for this club."

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A post shared by Neymar Jr (@neymarjr)

It is the halfway point in the Brazilian Serie A season, with Santos in the relegation zone. If his words are anything to go by, Neymar seems determined to drag his team to safety.