Neymar aims for World Cup success with Brazil following his return to his childhood club, Santos, from Al Hilal.

Neymar has set his sights firmly on winning the 2026 World Cup with Brazil following his return to his boyhood club, Santos. The 32-year-old forward, who has faced a series of injuries in recent years, made just seven appearances for Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal after his move from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this year.

Now back at Santos, where he first made his name, Neymar expressed his determination to achieve success both at club level and with the national team. “Obviously, the Brazilian national team is something I want to do again, and I have one more thing to win, a mission that will be my last,” he stated during a press conference. “I’m going to go for it; I have goals and objectives to pursue.”

Reflecting on his return to Santos, Neymar revealed the emotional toll his time abroad had taken on him. “I started to feel sad during training daily, and it wasn’t good for me, but it was good for my head,” he admitted. “Then, there was a chance to come back, and I did not think twice. From day one, I had already decided that I wanted to return to Santos. I had already told my father, and everything worked out, thank God.”

The Brazilian superstar’s joy was palpable as he spoke about reuniting with his family and friends. “I think everyone’s happy, everyone’s happy. And I’m very happy. My family is very happy, and my friends are very happy. And it’s good. I’m back, full of renewed energy,” he said. “When I stepped on the pitch, I felt like I was 17 again. I started here on my first day as a professional, so I’m very, very happy, very excited, and eager to play.”

Reports suggest that Neymar has taken a significant pay cut to leave the opulence of the Saudi Pro League for the more modest surroundings of Brazil’s Serie A. However, it seems that family and personal happiness have taken precedence in his decision-making. “Today, even my grandmother was here,” he shared. “When I hugged her, she said she didn’t think she would live to see this moment, and for me, it’s a reason to be very happy.”

He continued, “I hugged my father, and it was a hug to say that we made it, that I made it. I am victorious in this life. I managed to get out of here as a boy, travelled around the world, and came back practically as a hero, so our hug was one of relief. For you to know that you did your best, that you gave everything, and it was received that way.”

Despite the emotional significance of his return, Neymar was quick to assert that his focus is on helping Santos thrive in the top flight after their promotion from the second tier last season. “I am not here to take a stroll,” he declared. “I didn’t come to stay home on my couch. I came after my happiness as a soccer player and to help Santos in the best possible way.”

Neymar concluded with a promise to dedicate himself fully to the club and its supporters. “And that’s what I’m going to dedicate myself to every day, to make the Santos fans happy and myself happy. Because being in the club, even more so in Vila Belmiro Stadium, it’s impossible not to be happy.”