Emotional Neymar makes Santos comeback in Botafogo draw

Brazilian legend Neymar said he “can’t find the words to express the feeling” of making his first appearance for Santos since rejoining the club.

The forward re-signed for his boyhood team last week, having scored 136 goals in 226 appearances for them between 2009 and 2013 as he emerged into a global star who went on to play for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Santos drew 1-1 with Botafogo in the Brazilian Paulista Championship on Wednesday, with fans lighting up their mobile phones to welcome home the striker, who started as a substitute.

He came on in the second half with Santos leading, and though they conceded to draw the match, Neymar was awarded the Player of the Match.

The second half of Neymar’s club career has been marred by injuries, spanning his time at PSG and Al-Hilal, but he is confident his fitness will come following his introduction at half-time of this game.

Por mais que o resultado tenha sido ruim, hoje foi um dia muito especial.
Obrigado a todos pelo carinho e por ter nos incentivado até o fim.
Agora mais do que nunca precisamos de todo apoio dos nossos torcedores… porque com vocês somos mais fortes!
Muito feliz e emocionado em… pic.twitter.com/lUEHmvljr6

— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) February 6, 2025

“I can’t find the words to express the feeling,” said Neymar, who won six trophies in his first stint with Santos.

“I need more games. I’m not at 100%. I didn’t expect to run and dribble so much tonight. I think I’ll feel better in four or five games.

“I love Santos very much, and I can’t find the words to describe the feeling I felt when I stepped out onto the pitch today.

“It was a very difficult game. They were marking a lot at the back, they’re a team that defends a lot, a lot of hitting.

“I think it’s time for me to be patient and get some practice.”

They swooped to sign Neymar after they were promoted back to the top flight in Brazil in 2024.