Neymar is having a hard time getting going on his return to Brazil. The 'Prince' is still a long way from the physical tone necessary to compete in the top elite, something that is evident in his participations. This Sunday he started for the first time with Santos since he returned to the Vila Belmiro team, but he was not able to bring out his talent. The match, against Novorizontino, ended in a goalless draw and the left winger played 74 minutes until he was replaced by Gabriel Bontempo.
This is the first match that the former Barcelona player has played since the start in 1 year and 4 months. The last time he did so was on October 18, 2023, in a match between Uruguay and Brazil (2-0), corresponding to the qualifying stage for the 2026 World Cup. Neymar received a push from Nico de la Cruz and, when he fell, he made an ugly gesture that forced him to be substituted instantly, shortly before the end of the first half. The attacker left the field on a stretcher and, after carrying out the corresponding tests, it was confirmed that he had a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee, which kept him off the pitch for 340 days.
A bitter debut as a starter with Santos
Neymar Jr played his first minutes with Santos less than a week ago, against Botafogo. He started the match from the bench, although he came onto the pitch after the break. His performance showed a notable lack of competitive rhythm, something normal due to his lack of continuity since his serious injury. Later, this Sunday he played again, against Novorizontino, although this time as a starter.
On paper, he was positioned as an attacking midfield, an area that could be good for him so that he does not have to make great physical efforts and can be the centre of the attack of 'O Peixe'. However, his main area of action was the left wing. He played a total of 74 minutes, but it was once again clear that he needs time to return to being what he was. He had the ball in his possession a total of 55 times, but lost it 24 times (43%). He had a 79% success rate with his passes, but only completed one dribble out of the 8 he attempted and the only shot he tried was blocked.
The former Barcelona player won only 29% of the duels he had and was not successful in any of the 3 crosses he made. His performance is not meeting the great expectations of his return. However, he is no longer the 20-year-old boy who amazed the world, but a 33-year-old forward who returned home with the aim of recovering his good feelings. Santos fans will have to be patient with the '10'.