Neymar makes long-awaited return to Santos but fails to flatter on debut
Brazilian forward Neymar (33) made his highly anticipated return to his childhood club Santos in a disappointing 1-1 draw against Botafogo during the Brazilian Paulista Championship on Wednesday.
The Urbano Caldeira stadium was filled with excitement as ecstatic and emotional fans illuminated their mobile devices to welcome the striker, who departed the club 12 years prior, with a hero's reception before the match commenced.
Celebrating his 33rd birthday, Neymar began the match on the bench and entered the game after halftime, with Santos having taken the lead through Tiquinho Soares' penalty in the first half.
However, the forward faced challenges in his first match in 16 months, struggling to replicate the brilliance that had established him as one of the world's elite players during his five years at Barcelona.
Botafogo equalized in the 67th minute with a goal from Alexandre de Jesus. Wallison received a red card four minutes later for a foul on Neymar, yet Santos could not capitalize on their numerical advantage.
"I can't find the words to express the feeling when you love something. 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," Neymar said after the match.
"It was a very difficult game. I had even commented that my father was there on the side. I said, it's a difficult game, they're marking a lot at the back, they're a team that defends a lot, a lot of hitting. And they found a ball and scored. I think it's time for me to be patient and get some practice."
Neymar, who transferred to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal from Paris St Germain, had been limited to seven appearances after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October.
His return to Santos represents a full-circle moment in his illustrious career, as he aims to pursue his greatest passion: "playing football again."
SportsLigue