Neymar marked a triumphant return to Santos with his first goal in over 14 months on Sunday, helping his boyhood club secure a 3-1 win over fourth-division team Agua Santa in a Sao Paulo state championship match.
The Brazilian forward, who had failed to score in his first three matches with Santos, found the back of the net with a penalty in the 14th minute.
This goal, his 137th for Santos in 229 appearances, was significant as it marked his first goal since his time at Al Hilal. His last goal came on October 3, 2023, in the Asian Champions League. Neymar left the Saudi club in January, terminating his contract to return to Brazil.
The Brazilian star’s journey in the Middle East saw him spend 18 months at Al Hilal after joining Paris Saint-Germain in August 2023. Reports suggest a lucrative contract worth 100 million euros ($103m) annually.
Read: Neymar and Al-Hilal Mutually Agree to Terminate Contract
During his time at the Saudi club, Neymar played five games before a knee injury sidelined him for a year. After returning to action last October, he made two more appearances but was sidelined again with a hamstring tear.
Neymar also assisted in Sunday’s match, another milestone in his four games since rejoining Santos.
