The numbers speak for themselves: this is how Neymar's first game back at Santos went

Football has those stories that seem taken from a tale, but are more real than any fiction. One of those stories was starred by Neymar Jr. last weekend, when he stepped on the Vila Belmiro grass again, the stadium where he became a legend.

A return foretold

Neymar's return to Santos had been an open secret for weeks. The rumours intensified after his time in European football and his most recent foray into the Middle East. The "Peixe's" heart was beating strongly at the possibility of seeing their prodigal son dressed in black and white again.

And so it was. On 18 February 2024, the dream came true. Neymar took to the field in the second half of the match between Santos and Botafogo SP, valid for the Paulista Championship. The score, at that moment, reflected a 1-1 that nobody would remember.

Numbers that speak for themselves

Neymar's presence on the field was enough to revolutionise the match. In the minutes he played, he showed that the magic remains intact. The numbers don't lie:

• 5 fouls suffered: Neymar was the player who suffered the most fouls, which shows that the rivals found no other way to stop him than foul play.
• 8 passes in the final third: His vision of the game and ability to generate danger in the final metres of the field were evident.
• 8 shots: Despite not scoring, Neymar was the player who tried the most times to beat the rival goalkeeper.

These numbers, added to the fans' ovation and the palpable emotion in the atmosphere, confirm that Neymar's return to Santos is much more than a simple signing. It is the reunion of a player with his club, with his people, with his history.

What to expect from now on?

It is difficult to predict the future, but one thing is certain: Neymar's return to Santos promises strong emotions. The fans hope that their idol will lead them to conquer new titles and revive the glories of the past.

Neymar, meanwhile, has the opportunity to show that his love for Santos goes beyond the economic and that he is willing to give everything for the club that saw him born.

A legacy that transcends football

Beyond the sporting results, Neymar's return to Santos has an incalculable symbolic value. It represents the connection between a player and his club, between an idol and his fans. It is the story of a son who returns home, where he will always be loved and admired.

Neymar's return to Santos is a fairy tale come true. A tale that reminds us that football is much more than a sport. It is passion, emotion, identity. It is the story of a player who returned home to continue writing his legend.