After a less-than-successful stint at Al Hilal, Neymar decided to return to his former club Santos, hoping to reignite the spark in his career. However, prolonged injuries and long absences from the pitch have caused the “Little Pele” to lose his peak form. Is this return truly a turning point or just the end for a star once expected to inherit Brazil’s football legacy?
Lackluster Performances in First Two Matches
In his debut match for Santos against Botafogo in the Campeonato Paulista, Neymar came off the bench but left little impression. In the second game against Novorizontino on February 10, he started and played for 75 minutes. However, the performance of the 33-year-old forward was nothing short of disappointing.
According to post-match statistics, Neymar attempted 8 dribbles but succeeded only once. He also won just 4 out of 16 individual duels, with a passing accuracy rate of 79%. Most alarmingly, Neymar lost possession 24 times—a concerning figure that highlights his lack of connection and adaptability to modern football’s pace.
Negative Reactions from Fans
Witnessing Neymar’s underwhelming performances, many Santos supporters have voiced their criticism, with some even demanding the club terminate his contract after just two matches. Some notable comments on social media include:
- “I hope Neymar isn’t getting paid at Santos. Now I understand why Al Hilal terminated his contract.”
- “Neymar should leave Santos immediately. He’s just wasting the team’s resources.”
- “It’s time for Neymar to retire. Trying any harder won’t change anything.”
These criticisms reflect the high expectations fans had when Neymar returned to Santos. However, his current form has failed to meet those hopes, leading to widespread disappointment.
Income and Expectations at Santos
Although Neymar’s official monthly salary at Santos is $166,000—a modest figure compared to his previous earnings in Europe and Saudi Arabia—he is still expected to earn significantly through image rights. Under the agreement, he will receive 90% of revenue from commercial activities, potentially bringing his total monthly income to around $1.01 million.
Santos believes Neymar’s appeal in Brazil remains strong, especially in advertising and marketing. However, this only holds true if he maintains his form and plays a key role on the field.
Conclusion: Can Neymar Rediscover Himself?
Neymar’s return to Santos brings both hope and skepticism. With his current physical condition and performance levels, he must put in tremendous effort to reestablish himself. If he fails to improve his on-field contributions, pressure from fans and experts could turn this journey into a somber chapter in his career.
To regain the trust of the audience, Neymar needs to focus on regaining his fitness, improving his skills, and contributing more positively to the team. Let’s wait and see if the “Little Pele” can continue his glorious story or if he must accept that his peak years are behind him.
References:
Dantri.com.vn
