Neymar dazzles Santos fans by pulling off audacious skill in defeat to Corinthians, reminiscent of first spell in Brazil
Published 14/02/2025 at 11:17 GMT
Neymar dazzled his home supporters with a brilliant piece of skill in Santos' defeat to Corinthians on Thursday. The Brazil star returned to Santos in January, some 12 years after leaving to join Barcelona. He has since played three games in Brazil, drawing one and losing two. Neymar's first spell at Santos saw him win six trophies and score 136 goals in 225 appearances. Watch the moment here.
Neymar magic! Santos star's outrageous rainbow flick against Corinthians
Video credit: TNT Sports
Among the winter transfer window’s most heartwarming subplots was Neymar’s move from Al Hilal to Santos.
The 33-year-old returned to the Brazilian club where he made his name, some 12 years after he left to join Barcelona in 2013.
While Santos have managed just two draws and a defeat since reuniting with Neymar, a moment in their 2-1 defeat to Corinthians was reminiscent of the Brazil icon’s first spell at the club.
Neymar controlled a testing ball on his chest, before using his heel to flick it over an onrushing defender's head.
The attacker has shown glimpses of his "Joga Bonito" style in Brazil, despite having played just seven games since late 2023 due to issues with his knee and hamstring.
Neymar’s first spell at Santos saw him win six trophies, including the 2011 Copa Libertadores. He scored 136 goals in 225 appearances.
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Watch as Neymar shines on return to Santos after 12 years
Video credit: SNTV
He left the club at 21 to join Barcelona, where he formed a prolific attacking trio alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
During his time in Europe, Neymar became the most expensive player of all time when he moved from Barcelona to Paris St-Germain for £200m in 2017.
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A subsequent transfer to Saudi Arabia in 2023 turned sour, however, after Neymar tore his anterior cruciate ligament.
Santos, once the club of Brazil icon Pele, were relegated from the top tier for the first time in their 111-year history in 2023.
They earned promotion back to the top flight the following season by winning Serie B.
"I love Santos," said Neymar after playing his first game back at his boyhood club. "I have no words to describe what I felt tonight when I stepped again on this pitch."
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