The Return of the Legend

Neymar is coming back to Brazil, to where it all began: Santos FC. After years away, his return has fans excited, especially Brazilian students who grew up watching him play. Now, everyone is wondering: how will he change soccer again?

With this unexpected return to Santos FC, some Brazilian students, who are also soccer players for their high school, share the same passion for their idol. These HHS fans expressed their opinions and what they expect for Brazilian soccer.

“Having Neymar as my idol and seeing him go back to his childhood team, or just in general having him play in Brazil again, is such a crazy thing to be happening,” said junior David DeOliveira, a right-back wearing jersey number 6 on the soccer team.

Who is Neymar da Silva Santos Jr.?

At 33 years old, Neymar Jr. is one of the most talented and skillful soccer players of his generation. He has played for incredible teams such as Santos (Brazil), Barcelona (Spain), PSG (France), and Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia).

Neymar started his brilliant career at a young age when his dad used to organize games for kids, including his son. Neymar’s skills caught the attention of coach and scout Betinho, who saw him playing in one of the matches and invited him to join the youth team of Associação Atlética Portuguesa, also known as Portuguesa Santista, in 1998.

His development in Brazilian soccer led him to Santos FC, which signed him for their youth academy in 2003 when he was just 11 years old. After six years in the youth system, he was promoted to the professional team in 2009 at the age of 16.

Neymar made his debut against Oeste Club in the Paulista tournament, where he started his journey. In this tournament, Santos finished in second place, and Neymar won the Young Revelation Trophy.

Neymar played for Al-Hilal for one year before his contract expired. Additionally, his time in Saudi Arabia was marked by injuries, including a serious ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) tear, which limited his playing time.

Despite his challenges in Saudi Arabia, Neymar’s potential return to Santos has sparked strong reactions among fans. Many have shared their excitement and opinions on how his presence is impacting Brazilian soccer.

“The team I support is one of Santos’ biggest rivals, but for the past four weeks, I have watched more Santos games because of Neymar than my own team’s matches. Neymar already impacted Brazil even before it was confirmed that he was going back to Santos, so now that he is actually playing, I believe he will revolutionize Brazilian soccer,” expressed DeOliveira.

Senior Luiz Silva, number 10, is also excited about the return.

“Even though I’m not a Santos fan, I was moved by his presentation at Vila Belmiro (Santos’ stadium). To tell the truth, it was hard for anyone not to get emotional. Seeing the best Brazilian player of our generation returning to Brazil is something that touches anyone who follows the sport,” Silva said.

As the season continues, HHS fans cannot wait to see what influence Neymar will have on Santos.

“I hope to see more of Neymar soon, and maybe he’ll bring Brazil the long-awaited sixth World Cup in 2026!” said DeOliveira.

Number 14 freshman and student journalist Henri Sa agrees with that sentiment, hoping for a world championship.

“There is also the emotional side of seeing the guy who made me love the sport—a sport that defines so much of who I am—coming back home. Now, I have a reason to watch Santos matches and support them. And I hope that’s a sign that he actually wants to play, and we win the World Cup next year, with our prince holding the trophy,” Sa said.