Here are some of the main reasons why **Neymar** (at ~33 years old) chose to move back to **Santos** in early 2025 (after his stint at Al-Hilal ended). This wasn’t just nostalgia — several practical, personal, and career factors seem to have played in.
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### Key reasons for the move
1. **Regain form & fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup**
After time in Saudi Arabia where he suffered several injuries and struggled for regular playing time, returning to a familiar environment offered a better chance to rebuild his fitness and match sharpness. ([ESPN.com][1])
2. **Lack of sufficient playing time / dissatisfaction in Saudi Arabia**
At Al-Hilal, he wasn’t getting the minutes he wanted, and injuries further limited his contributions. He felt unhappy with being underused. That made going back to Brazil and a club where he could be more central more attractive. ([AP News][2])
3. **Emotional / personal connection**
Santos is his boyhood club, where he began his top-flight career. Wearing the number associated with Pelé again, returning to where he has strong roots, close fan connection, and emotional resonance likely appealed to him. ([Wikipedia][3])
4. **Contract & financial aspects**
He terminated his Al-Hilal contract by mutual consent. The move to Santos was lower-pressure, allowing him to accept a significant pay reduction in exchange for more comfort, fewer expectations, and perhaps a better chance to play regularly. ([Wikipedia][3])
5. **Legacy and visibility**
Playing in Brazil again, especially for Santos, gives him a clearer stage in his home country, which might help with his legacy, his national-team status, and staying visible as he eyes making an impact in the upcoming World Cup. ([ESPN.com][1])
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If you want, I can compare how his prospects looked if he had stayed in Saudi Arabia vs what he might achieve by returning to Santos — that might give more insight into whether the move makes good sense at his age.
[1]: https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/43562212/why-neymar-move-santos-save-world-cup-dream?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Why Neymar's move to Santos could save his World Cup ..."
[2]: https://apnews.com/article/72c57f76dece2fc541a8ee857ae4e435?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Welcome home Neymar! The Brazilian star returns to his boyhood club and everyone's celebrating"
[3]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neymar?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Neymar"