Brazilian star Neymar Jr., currently playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, has clarified rumors about his future.
The 32-year-old has been the subject of speculation regarding a potential return to his home country to play for his former club, Santos FC, once his contract in the Middle East expires in June 2025.
"No. What they said is completely false. There is nothing planned. I have another year on my contract with Al-Hilal. I hope I can have a great season [after the injury]. Let's live little by little, there's a lot of time ahead. Obviously Santos is my favorite team, one day I want to return, yes, but I don't have anything planned in my head," he said in Portuguese to ESPN on Monday, June 3.
Neymar has been sidelined since October 2023 after suffering a brutal tear of both the ACL and meniscus of his left knee while playing for the Brazil national team during a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay.
Rumors of Neymar's return to Santos emerges
Rumors of Neymar's potential return to Santos emerged when he attended a club match, the first leg of the Campeonato Paulista final against Palmeiras at the end of March 2024.
The former PSG star reportedly went backstage to visit and chat with the players, telling them that he would be back once his contract in Saudi Arabia expired.
Santos FC club president Marcelo Teixeira also revealed in December 2023 that Neymar told him to reserve the number 11 shirt, which he wore at the club during his first stint there, for a potential return in the future.
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