Neymar said of his return to Santos. “No chance,” I still have one year left on my deal with Al Hilal, so it’s a joke.

Neymar said of his return to Santos. “No chance,” I still have one year left on my deal with Al Hilal, so it’s a joke.

Neymar Dismisses Rumors of Return to Santos: “No Chance”

Neymar Jr. has unequivocally dismissed recent rumors linking him with a sensational return to Santos FC, the club where his illustrious career began. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the Brazilian superstar made it clear that his current focus remains on fulfilling his contractual obligations with Al Hilal.

“No chance,” Neymar said with a laugh. “I still have one year left on my deal with Al Hilal, so it’s a joke.”

Neymar’s statement comes amid mounting speculation in Brazilian media that the forward was contemplating a return to Santos. The rumors were fueled by recent comments from Santos officials expressing interest in bringing Neymar back, as well as nostalgic social media posts from fans yearning for the return of their prodigal son.

Having joined Al Hilal in 2023 on a lucrative contract, Neymar has been a central figure for the Saudi Pro League giants, contributing significantly with his performances. Despite some injury setbacks, his impact on the pitch and his marketability off it have been invaluable for the club.

“Al Hilal has been a fantastic experience for me,” Neymar continued. “The fans, the culture, and the football here are amazing. I’m committed to helping the team achieve more success in the coming year.”

The Brazilian forward’s current contract with Al Hilal reportedly runs until the end of the 2024 season, and it includes a substantial financial package, making a premature departure highly unlikely. Neymar’s focus now is on leading Al Hilal to further glory, both domestically and in the AFC Champions League, where they have been perennial contenders.

Meanwhile, Santos FC, Neymar’s boyhood club, continues to struggle in the Brazilian Serie A. The club’s fans and management have been vocal about their desire to see Neymar return, hoping his presence could rejuvenate the team and bring back the glory days. However, Neymar’s recent comments have effectively quashed those hopes for the immediate future.

Santos president Andres Rueda had previously hinted at the possibility of Neymar’s return, stating, “We would always welcome Neymar back with open arms. He is a part of our history and our family.” Despite this, Neymar’s clear stance suggests that such a reunion will not happen anytime soon.

Neymar’s career has been marked by high-profile transfers and remarkable achievements. After leaving Santos in 2013, he enjoyed successful stints with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain before making his way to Al Hilal. His journey has been closely followed by millions, making any potential move headline news.

For now, Neymar remains focused on his current chapter with Al Hilal, looking to add to his already impressive trophy haul. His dismissal of the Santos rumors not only sets the record straight but also underscores his commitment to his current club.

As the football world continues to speculate about his future beyond Al Hilal, one thing is certain: Neymar’s decisions will continue to captivate fans and shape the narrative of modern football. For Santos supporters, the dream of seeing Neymar back in the white and black jersey lives on, but it is a dream that will have to wait.

In the meantime, Neymar’s presence in Saudi Arabia continues to boost the profile of the Saudi Pro League, drawing global attention and highlighting the league’s growing ambition and competitive nature.