When it comes to Brazil’s football legacy, one cannot miss mentioning the historic football club Santos. From having ruled South American football at one time having players like Pele to creating one of the country’s and world’s greatest-ever talents, Neymar Jr. After struggles in recent years, Santos found themselves in trouble after being relegated last year to the second division of Brazilian football.  However, reigniting the glory days, they are back in the top-tier league to extend their historic return. 

Its former captain Neymar Jr. struggling to find the best version of himself in Al-Hilal, the Brazillian winger’s career has been plagued by injuries in the last few years, the major one coming on national duty in October 2023, that propelled him to be sidelined for over a year. Stars are likely to align for Neymar and Santos to meet again as his contract with the Saudi Pro League club expires in the summer of 2025 and he will look to return to the club where it all began. 

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Pelé’s former club Santos returns to the top tier of Brazilian soccer with an eye on Neymar

Santos secured its return to the top tier of Brazilian soccer next year when it hopes that star striker Neymar will be back at the club which achieved a global following with Pelé.

Santos, which was relegated in 2023 for the first time in its history almost a year after the death of all-time great Pelé, secured its place in Brazil’s Serie A with a 2-0 win at Coritiba on Monday night. Wendel opened the scoring in the 20th minute and Romulo Otero added a second in the 41st.

Serie B leader Santos has 68 points in 36 matches, guaranteeing one of the four promotion places.

Santos president Marcelo Teixeira said in the early hours of Tuesday that he will wait for Neymar and his Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal to decide their future. The 32-year-old player is under contract until June.

In 2011, a teenage Neymar led Santos to their first Copa Libertadores title in 48 years. He left the club in 2013 for Barcelona.

Teixeira added that Neymar will be welcome to the stadium on Sunday, when Santos plays CRB. A win will secure the Serie B title for Santos.

As he recovered from an ACL injury, Neymar repeatedly posted pictures and videos of himself watching Santos matches and speaking to team players. Al-Hilal said on Nov. 6 that the Brazilian is once again sidelined because of a muscular injury.

(AP)