Neymar scores his first goal since returning to Santos, seeking redemption after injuries and setbacks in his turbulent career.

Neymar has finally found the back of the net for Santos, scoring his first goal since returning to the Brazilian club in a long-anticipated homecoming.

The 33-year-old converted a penalty in the 14th minute of a Sao Paulo state championship match on Sunday, helping Santos secure a 3-1 victory over Água Santa.

While the goal itself wasn’t spectacular, it marked a significant moment for Neymar, who has struggled to regain his rhythm after a difficult period plagued by injuries and setbacks.

This goal will come as a relief for the star forward, whose return to Santos has not been the fairytale many fans had envisioned. Having played only a handful of matches since coming back, Neymar has yet to complete a full 90 minutes on the pitch.

His performances in the first three games were widely considered subpar, raising questions about his physical condition and ability to return to top form.

However, his showing on Sunday hinted at progress—beyond scoring from the spot, he assisted Guilherme in the 70th minute, playing a crucial role in the team’s offensive display.

Neymar’s return to Santos is not just about nostalgia; it’s also a battle against time and fitness. After spending nearly a year sidelined due to a severe knee injury, he officially reentered professional football in October.

His brief stint at Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal was marred by injuries, limiting him to just seven appearances and a single goal.

It was a stark contrast to the excitement that surrounded his high-profile move to the Saudi club in 2023, a transfer that reportedly cost Al-Hilal around 90 million euros.

Following an underwhelming spell in the Middle East, Neymar and Al-Hilal mutually agreed to terminate his contract.

With limited options at elite European clubs due to concerns over his fitness and consistency, he chose to return to Santos—a club where he became a global star in his early career.

Neymar first dazzled the football world at Santos between 2009 and 2013, scoring 138 goals in 225 official matches and leading the club to several major titles, including the 2011 Copa Libertadores.

His flair, skill, and audacity made him one of the most exciting young players in the world, eventually leading to a blockbuster move to Barcelona.

There, he formed the legendary attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, helping the club secure numerous trophies, including the 2015 Champions League title.

In 2017, Neymar became the most expensive footballer in history when Paris Saint-Germain triggered his €222 million ($262 million) release clause.

Though he won multiple domestic titles in France, his time at PSG was often overshadowed by injuries, off-field controversies, and frustrations over the club’s failure to win the Champions League.

Despite flashes of brilliance, including leading PSG to the 2020 Champions League final, Neymar’s legacy in Paris remains a divisive topic.

His move to Saudi Arabia in 2023 was seen as a step away from the highest level of European football, but few expected his stint there to be so short-lived. Injuries and fitness issues continued to haunt him, leaving fans wondering if he would ever return to his former heights.

Now back in Brazil, Neymar has signed an initial six-month contract with Santos, though there is a possibility of an extension. His presence has already boosted interest in the club, with ticket sales and merchandise revenue surging since his return.

However, expectations remain high, and many are eager to see whether he can recapture even a fraction of the magic that once made him one of the world’s most electrifying players.

Sunday’s goal may have been just a penalty, but for Neymar, it could be the first step toward redemption. With time running out in his career, he faces a critical challenge: proving that he still has what it takes to shine at the highest level.

As Santos continues its campaign, all eyes will be on Neymar to see if this comeback story can truly take flight—or if it will be just another fleeting chapter in a career filled with brilliance, frustration, and what-ifs.