Al Hilal has officially announced the mutual termination of Neymar Jr.'s contract, clearing the way for his return to Santos FC, the club where he began his professional career. Over a decade after leaving for Barcelona in 2013, the 32-year-old Brazilian forward is heading back to São Paulo.

Neymar's decision to return to Brazil follows a challenging stint with Al Hilal, where injuries limited him to just seven matches and a single goal since joining in 2023. With Santos recently promoted to Série A, this move aligns with both the player’s desire to regain his competitive edge and the club’s ambition to strengthen its squad for the league and a potential Copa Libertadores push.

To facilitate the move, Neymar made a significant financial sacrifice, forgoing $71 million in unpaid wages from Al Hilal. This decision underscores his determination to prioritize his homecoming and focus on future goals, including the 2026 World Cup, where he hopes to play a pivotal role for the Brazilian national team.

During his initial stint at Santos, Neymar played 225 matches, scoring 136 goals and contributing 64 assists. His impressive track record has raised expectations for his impact on the team’s 2024 season. The club also anticipates a strong attacking partnership between Neymar and Tiquinho Soares, a recent key signing.

Santos is preparing to capitalize on both the sporting and commercial opportunities Neymar’s return presents. The club is eager to solidify its position in the top division and compete at the highest level of Brazilian football.

Neymar's official unveiling is expected in the coming weeks. As he joins the squad, his physical readiness after a challenging period of injuries will be critical to his return to form.