Neymar’s return to Santos has been confirmed by club president Marcelo Teixeira.
Al-Hilal mutually agreed to terminate the Brazilian superstar’s contract on Monday after an injury-hit spell in Saudi Arabia.
After cancelling his contract, the 32-year-old is now cleared to make the move back to his boyhood club, who he began his career with.
Posting a video on Instagram comprising of Neymar’s previous spell with Santos, Teixeira said: “It seems like yesterday, time flies by so fast. The time has come to build our new story. Come back home, we are with open arms!
“I remember, as if it were yesterday, when our eternal captain Zito, together with Alemao, came to tell me about yet another star discovered by the dearly missed Betinho.
“Neymar was his name. A name as different as his talent. And what talent. What a pleasure it was to see this boy grow up and become the genius who conquered Santos, Brazil and the world.
“You, Neymar, said goodbye to Vila to make your dreams come true. But you left a promise that we will never forget: ‘I’m going, but I’ll be back.’ Remember? I’m sure this phrase has stayed with you all this time.
“The moment has come, Neymar. The time has come for you to return to your people. To your home, to our beloved club.
“Welcome, boy Ney! Boy from Vila! Come and be happy again wearing the sacred mantle. The Santos nation awaits you with open arms.”
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Neymar joined Santos as an 11-year-old, establishing himself as one of football’s most exciting young stars after coming through their academy.
He earned himself a move to Barcelona in 2013, forming a devastating partnership with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at the Camp Nou. Overall, he scored 105 goals and provided 76 assists in 186 appearances for the Blaugrana.
In 2017, he decided to join Paris Saint-Germain for a staggering £198million, which remains a world-record fee.
After six mixed years in the French capital, where he briefly reunited with Messi, Neymar joined Al-Hilal in 2023 for £77m.
However, he made just seven appearances for the Saudi Pro League side after struggling with injury.
After announcing his departure, Al-Hilal said: “The club expresses its thanks and appreciation to Neymar for what he has provided at Al-Hilal, and wish the player success in his career.”
