Santos has already prepared for Neymar (33)'s welcoming ceremony.
Brazil's "Globo" said on the 28th (Korea Standard Time) that "Santus is preparing for a joining ceremony at two stadiums for Neymar."
According to media, Santos will hold his first joining ceremony at the Istazio do Pacambu in Sao Paulo on the 30th, and then hold an additional joining ceremony at Villa Beumiru, Santos' home stadium, on the same day. After the "São Paulo Derby" on the 2nd of next month, he plans to invite stars and hold a party.
The media said, "Santus has been trying to recruit Neymar over the past few weeks. Now, we are looking forward to Neymar's influence in the Brazilian league."
"Santus will hold a big event for Neymar as he did for the late Pele in the past," he said. "Neymar will try to find the sensation he lost with his number 10 on Santos."
Neymar terminated his contract with Al-Hilal under mutual agreement. "I thank Neymar for his dedication and wish him success in the future," Al-Hilal said in an official announcement on his official channel. Neymar reportedly gave up his remaining 65 million U.S. dollars.
Neymar will then head to his hometown of Santos. Fabrizio Romano, a soccer transfer market expert, said on the previous day that Neymar had reached an oral agreement with Santos, adding that only official announcements were left.
Santos is the team Neymar made his professional debut in 2009 at the age of 17. At that time, he showed fantastic performance even at an early age, drawing attention as a divinity of Brazilian soccer.
According to ESPN, Neymar will sign a contract with Santos that includes a six-month, one-year extension option. "Neymar will move to Brazil this week. He will play for Santos as early as February 5th," the media said. "Neymar, who will end his contract with Al Hilal, will lose about $65 million."
Neymar moved from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to Al Hilal in August 2023 and signed a contract worth 90 million euros (about 135 billion won) and 150 million euros (about 225 billion won) per year.
However, in the first season of his transfer, he played in only five games and suffered an injury. Neymar, who collapsed while competing with an opponent team during the South American qualifying match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 between Brazil and Uruguay in October 2023, complained of pain and was replaced with tears. The result was abysmal. He had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee. Neymar, who underwent surgery in November, focused on long-term rehabilitation.
In October last year, about a year later, Neymar was substituted in the second half at a match against Al Ain, an elite team in the AFC Champions League. However, he suffered another injury just 13 days after his return match. He was substituted in the 13th minute in the second half of the match against ACLE Estegral in November, but held his thighs about 30 minutes later. While running towards the ball, he felt as if he had something wrong with his leg. Neymar himself sent a substitute sign to the bench, and he was replaced again. 안전놀이터
In the end, that game was the last one at Al Hilal. Neymar has played only seven games in two seasons since joining Al Hilal. He is thus returning to his native Brazil after pocketing a huge salary.