The Santos club has secured its return to the first division of Brazilian football next year. The team had been relegated in 2023 for the first time in its history and has now achieved promotion almost a year after the death of the legendary player Pelé. Currently leading in Serie B, Santos has accumulated 68 points in 36 matches, securing one of the four promotion spots.
The club president, Marcelo Teixeira, has expressed his desire for Neymar, who has a contract with Al Hilal until June, to return to Santos. Neymar, who gained worldwide fame with Pelé, led Santos to its first Copa Libertadores title in 48 years in 2011. Teixeira noted that Neymar would be welcomed at the stadium for the upcoming match against CRB, where a victory would guarantee the Serie B title for Santos.
Regarding the possibility of Neymar returning to Santos, Teixeira told reporters that they are willing to wait for the player's and his Saudi club's decision. Despite his right knee injury, Neymar has been closely following Santos's matches and has kept in touch with some of the team's players. Teixeira assured that they maintain transparent communication with Neymar's camp and will warmly welcome him if he decides to return.
In another context, Santos certified its promotion to the first division by defeating Coritiba 2-0 last Monday night. The winning goal was scored by Wendel, and Venezuelan Rómulo Otero extended the lead. With this result, Santos secured its return to the elite of Brazilian football and now eagerly awaits Neymar's possible return to the team where he shone in his early days as a professional footballer.