The sensation of playing for Santos again after being away from the team for 12 years is indescribable, according to Brazil forward Neymar.
Twelve years after leaving to join Barcelona in 2013, the 33-year-old made his comeback to the Brazilian team on January 31 from Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
At the Estadio Vila Belmiro, Santos led 1-0 at halftime. Neymar, who had just returned from injury, made an impact in the second half as Botafogo rallied to earn a 1-1 draw.
“I love Santos,” said Neymar.
“I have no words to describe what I felt tonight when I stepped again on this pitch.
“I need minutes, 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.”
A number of Botafogo players and members of the club’s backroom staff sought out Neymar on the pitch after the final whistle to request photos with the former Brazil captain.
Neymar won six trophies during his first stint with Santos, including the 2011 Copa Libertadores.
He left the club having scored 136 goals in 225 appearances by the age of 21.
In 2017, Neymar left Barcelona to sign a £200 million contract with Paris St-Germain, making him the most expensive player of all time during his absence.
Neymar’s 2022 move to Saudi Arabia, however, took a turn for the worst when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament, limiting him to just seven games for Al-Hilal.
For the first time in their 111-year history, Santos, the former team of Pele, the icon of Brazil, was demoted from the top flight in 2023.
Last season, they won Serie B, which earned them promotion back to the top division at the first attempt.
