When does Neymar play his first match with Santos? Date and details of his debut

Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, known worldwide as Neymar, returned to Santos FC, the club where he started his remarkable football career. After almost twelve years since his departure to FC Barcelona, the Brazilian star signed a six-month contract with Santos, with no option for extension, intending to return to European football next summer.

After terminating his contract with Al Hilal, Neymar rejected an offer from Chicago Fire valued at 50 million dollars, choosing to return to regain his physical and technical form. Neymar Jr. arrived in Brazil this Friday, January 31, and the fans are already eager to see him back in action with the Santos jersey, the team where he shone at the beginning of the last decade.

The return has generated great excitement among Santos fans and Brazilian football in general. His return not only represents an opportunity for the player to regain his best level but also a significant boost for the club in its sporting aspirations.

When will Neymar's debut with Santos be?

Santos will face São Paulo this Saturday, February 1, in a match of the Campeonato Paulista. However, Neymar will not have enough time to prepare and participate in this classic. The player is expected to be present in the stadium, but only as a spectator.

The anticipated debut of Neymar with Santos could take place on Wednesday, February 5, coinciding with his 33rd birthday. The team will face Botafogo-SP at the Vila Belmiro Stadium at 21:35 local time (00:35 in Spain), in a match corresponding to the Campeonato Paulista.

Physical condition and expectations

The Santos coach, Pedro Caixinha, spoke about the player's physical condition in a post-match interview after the team's defeat against São Bernardo. He stated that he consulted with Jorge Jesus, the coach of Al-Hilal, Neymar's former club, and assured that the player will arrive in good condition to be used as soon as possible.

"We have already made a very clear inquiry. Jorge Jesus is Portuguese, and I have already spoken with him. Obviously, I will not reveal the content of the conversation, but we have had access to all the data from his training and know that he will arrive in very good condition," said Caixinha.

How long has it been since Neymar played?

Neymar has not played an official match since November 4, 2024, when he suffered an injury in the match between Al-Hilal and Esteghlal. At that time, the estimated recovery time was between four and six weeks.

Although the forward is currently medically fit to play, the fact that he is not registered in the Saudi League has prevented him from playing official matches in 2025.

How many matches can Neymar play with Santos until June?

If Neymar debuts against Botafogo-SP, he could play up to six matches by the end of the first phase of the Campeonato Paulista. If Santos advances to the final of the tournament, the player would add five more matches, totaling 11 matches in the Paulistão.

Regarding the Brasileirao, due to the scheduling of the Club World Cup, the CBF has scheduled 12 rounds before the break that will start on June 14. Additionally, in the Copa do Brasil, Santos will play the third round with matches initially scheduled for April 30 and May 21.

In total, Neymar could play up to 24 matches with Santos before June. It is worth mentioning that there is a possibility of a contract extension, which could increase the number of matches he plays with the club.

225 matches with Santos

During his first stint at Santos, Neymar played 225 matches, scored 136 goals, and provided 64 assists. He significantly contributed to winning titles such as the Copa Libertadores, three Campeonato Paulistas, a Recopa Sudamericana, and a Copa do Brasil.