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Neymar Considers an Ownership Role in Santos While Negotiating His Return.

Roger Hampel

Neymar Santos Ownership

Photo Credit:  Globe Soccer/Neymar via Instagram


According to the renowned French sports outlet L'Équipe, Neymar Jr. might be returning to his roots at Santos FC, not only as a player but also as part-owner. It is important to note that this information has not been confirmed by the player or the clubs involved, and it remains a report by L'Équipe.


Currently tied to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia until June 2025, Neymar’s contract reportedly secures him an astounding €100 million annually. This salary, however, is far beyond the financial reach of Santos FC, a club celebrated for nurturing Neymar during the early stages of his career. To overcome this financial obstacle, Neymar and his father are reportedly exploring the possibility of joining an investment fund aimed at acquiring a stake in the Brazilian club. Such an arrangement, as noted by L'Équipe, would allow Santos to offer a competitive contract to Neymar while securing his involvement both on and off the field.


Negotiations in Progress


Reports suggest that negotiations to terminate Neymar’s lucrative contract with Al Hilal are advancing smoothly. If successful, the move would clear the path for Neymar to rejoin Santos, the team where he first rose to prominence. However, it is crucial to emphasize that these developments are based on information reported by L'Équipe, and no official announcements have been made. Neymar Santos Ownership

A Complicated Stint at Al Hilal


Neymar’s time at Al Hilal has been marked by challenges. After transferring from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2023 for a fee of €90 million, Neymar endured a series of injuries that limited his appearances. He initially suffered a serious injury while representing Brazil against Uruguay on October 17, 2023, and returned briefly before sustaining another injury on November 4 during a Champions League match. These setbacks have restricted him to just seven official matches for Al Hilal.


Furthermore, Neymar is currently only registered for the Champions League with Al Hilal. This means that for him to participate in the Saudi League, the club would need to make adjustments, such as releasing one of their other foreign players. Should Neymar’s return to Santos materialize, it would spare Al Hilal the need to navigate these additional complexities.


Why Santos?


Returning to where his illustrious career began and doing so as both a player and a potential stakeholder would symbolize a full-circle moment for the Brazilian icon. It would also highlight a growing trend of footballers leveraging their wealth and influence to take ownership roles within clubs, blending passion for the sport with business acumen.


As both Neymar and his father reportedly work on finalizing their involvement with the investment fund, fans are eagerly awaiting updates. This move, as reported by L'Équipe, could not only reignite Neymar’s career but also transform Santos FC’s future, enabling the club to compete more effectively on both domestic and international stages.


The Next Steps


While the deal remains in the negotiation phase, the prospect of Neymar’s return to Santos is generating significant excitement. However, it is vital to remember that this information is based solely on L'Équipe’s report. If realized, this partnership could set a precedent for footballers transitioning into ownership roles while still actively competing. For now, all eyes are on Neymar as he contemplates a move that could redefine his legacy both on and off the pitch.

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