On his birthday
Neymar returns to Santos and puts on a dribbling show in his re-debut against Botafogo
The Brazilian returned to the club where he began his professional career and played 45 minutes in the Campeonato Paulista against Botafogo
The boy from the village has returned home. Neymar Jr was presented on his return to Santos last Saturday and, in the early hours of this Thursday, the Brazilian made his re-debut. He did so against Botafogo Futebol Clube, which is not the winner of the Copa Libertadores, but a team that plays in the Série B. His return to the pitch took place in the Campeonato Paulista, also known as Paulistão, a tournament in which teams residing in the São Paulo region participate. The result was 1-1, but the spotlight was taken by the return of the 'Prince'.
The re-debut of the prodigal son was dull. He entered the field in the second half, replacing Gabriel Bontempo. Although he showed that he has football for a long time in his boots, he showed a notable lack of rhythm. However, it is something that falls within the expected range. This season he has had little continuity with Al-Hilal and an injury forced him to leave the pitch in the last match he played with the Saudi team. Despite this lack of physical condition, the fans were very happy to be able to enjoy the talent of 'Ney' again.
Key plays of his redebut
The attacker born in Mogi das Cruzes moved mainly on the left flank and the three-quarter area on the day of his 33rd birthday. He had the ball in his possession a total of 64 times, which shows that his teammates were constantly looking for him. He completed 3 dribbles, was successful in 83% of his passes and won 53% of the duels he played. He also shot 7 times, of which only 1 was on goal, and lost the ball 16 times. His statistics demonstrate the aforementioned lack of rhythm, but his plays promise a lot of fun with adequate physical preparation.
Neymar vs. Botafogo-SP .
— حمودي 🇮🇶² . (@Lhmdmd_70) February 6, 2025
If you don't like Neymar Jr, you don't like football 🤗💎🇧🇷 . pic.twitter.com/76DMffBCDN
Santos will play again at 8pm this Sunday, against Novorizontino. It is most likely that Pedro Caixinha, the Portuguese coach of the Vila Belmiro team, will give Neymar some minutes. However, it is possible that he will not start, as he needs to gradually get used to the game. He is a footballer with a notable tendency to injuries and it is best that his return to the pitch is gradual.
