Brazilian striker Neymar made his debut in his return to Santos after 12 years, in a match that ended in a 1-1 draw against Botafogo SP in the Campeonato Paulista at the Vila Belmiro stadium. Neymar, former player of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, entered the field at the start of the second half to begin his second stint at "Peixe", which returns to the top tier of Brazilian football this season after having played in the second division in 2024.
The goal by Tiquinho Soares from the penalty spot, celebrated by Neymar from the bench, came after the ball struck Walisson's hand and after the corresponding VAR review that determined the penalty sanction. In the first seconds of the second half, Neymar, 33 years old, received a painful impact in the genital area, marking his unexpected entry into the match.
Despite receiving tough tackles and fouls, Neymar was very active in the game, falling to the ground several times. However, although there was joy for the return of the "prodigal son" wearing the number 10 jersey, Alexander de Jesus equalized the match 1-1 with a header, a result that held until the end and deprived Neymar of celebrating victory with his team.
In an attempt to score his first goal since his return, Neymar made a great play where he evaded two opponents and shot accurately with his left foot, but the visiting goalkeeper managed to deflect the ball and prevent the goal. During his first stint at Santos, Neymar played 225 matches and scored 136 goals, winning several local titles and the Copa Libertadores in 2011, which earned him international recognition and his subsequent move to Barcelona to play alongside Lionel Messi in 2013.
