Neymar has officially returned to Brazilian soccer. After a warm reception at Vila Belmiro in January, the Brazilian star scored his first goal of 2025 with his boyhood club, Santos, in Matchday 10 of the 2025 Campeonato Paulista against Agua Santa.
With Santos dominating the match, Neymar was fouled inside the box, earning his side a penalty. The Brazilian stepped up and, with his trademark run-up, coolly placed the ball into the left corner in the 14th minute, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Neymar made his re-debut earlier this month, but it wasn’t until today that he found the back of the net. The goal against Agua Santa not only marked his first of 2025 but also his first since returning to Santos.
Neymar’s last goal for Santos came on April 17, 2013, meaning it had been 11 years, 9 months, and 28 days (or 4,323 days) since that special moment, before his move to Barcelona later that same year. It came in a 2-0 victory over Flamengo in the first round of the Copa do Brasil.
Neymar has broken his goal-scoring drought and also Santos’ tough run since his return. The team has struggled to secure three points, drawing 1-1 against Botafogo SP, 0-0 against Novorizontino, and suffering a 2-1 defeat against Corinthians. Against Agua Santa, he also delivered an assist to striker Guilherme in the 70th minute.
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Following this latest defeat, Neymar shared an encouraging message, looking forward to what’s ahead. “It wasn’t the result we wanted, but we know the game we played… we’re improving, building momentum, taking risks, and looking for our best version. I have confidence and faith in this group, and obviously, above everything and everyone, we are SANTOS FC!!,” wrote the Brazilian star on his Instagram account.
Santos strengthens squad for Neymar’s success
Santos’ signing of Neymar has long been a dream, and with his return to the Brazilian top flight, the club is now focused on bolstering its squad. They are targeting a strong winter transfer window to support Neymar throughout the season.
Santos has secured several players with European experience, including Benjamin Rollheiser from Benfica, a loan move for Gabriel Veron from Porto, and former Porto striker Tiquinho Soares. Additionally, they signed Argentine star Alvaro Barreal from FC Cincinnati and are expected to make more moves before the window closes on February 28th.
