The 5 Famous Footballers Neymar Now Wants to Join Him at Santos

After much speculation surrounding Neymar’s future, the illustrious forward has officially parted ways with Al-Hilal and returned to his childhood club, Santos. Now 32 years old and eager to relish his time on the pitch, he hopes his presence will attract some of football’s elite talents to join him in Brazil.

Santos has confirmed Neymar’s sensational return, highlighting that the player—widely regarded as one of football’s finest dribblers—has accepted a significant salary reduction to rejoin the club where he previously secured six titles.

Before making a high-profile switch to Barcelona, Neymar established himself as a formidable winger, amassing 105 goals and 76 assists in 186 appearances and securing multiple trophies with the Spanish giants.

In 2017, the Santos academy product became the most expensive signing in football history when he joined Paris Saint-Germain. This was followed by a move to Al-Hilal in the expanding Saudi Pro League in the summer of 2023.

However, during his brief one-and-a-half-year stint in the Middle East, Neymar featured in only seven matches due to persistent injury setbacks. Consequently, both parties mutually agreed to terminate his contract.

According to Brazilian outlet UOL, Neymar is now urging Santos to make a bold statement in the transfer market by pursuing marquee free agents, including Paul Pogba and Sergio Ramos, as well as former Chelsea defender Thiago Silva.

Pogba, who previously played for Manchester United and Juventus, is now eligible to return to action after serving an 18-month suspension from his four-year contract. Meanwhile, Ramos—without a club since the summer of 2024—could be enticed by the prospect of one final challenge.

Additionally, reports suggest that Marcelo, widely regarded as one of the greatest left-backs in football history, and Paulo Henrique Ganso—a 35-year-old attacking midfielder who rose through Santos’ youth system alongside Neymar—are also potential targets.

Discussions between Neymar and the club’s management regarding these ambitious signings are already underway. With the January transfer window nearing its close, negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming days.