Neymar has sealed a dramatic return to boyhood club Santos FC after terminating his lucrative £130million-per-year contract with Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal.
The 32-year-old Brazilian star has agreed to a six-month deal with the club where he first made his name.
The move marks a significant shift for the former Paris Saint-Germain forward, who is aiming to revitalise his career and secure a place in Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad.
Santos, one of Brazil's most prestigious clubs with eight national titles and three Copa Libertadores crowns, will welcome back their prodigal son after his brief stint in the Middle East.
Neymar has sealed a dramatic return to boyhood club Santos FC after terminating his lucrative £130million-per-year contract with Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal
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Neymar's new contract with Santos includes a base salary of £135,507 per month, a substantial reduction from his Saudi earnings.
However, the Brazilian's total monthly income could reach £819,433 through a unique arrangement that grants him 90 per cent of his image rights.
According to De Primeira via UOL Esporte, Neymar's base salary will represent just 18 per cent of his potential total earnings at Santos.
This innovative payment structure demonstrates the club's creative approach to bringing their former star back to Brazilian football despite financial constraints.
Neymar toiled during his time in Saudi Arabia, making just seven appearances for Al-Hilal
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The new arrangement mirrors Neymar's previous successful stint at Santos between 2010 and 2013.
During that period, he earned a base salary of £40,683 but took home approximately £429,147 monthly thanks to a similar image rights agreement.
The club believes the current digital landscape could generate even greater returns, leading to the projected £819,433 monthly earnings potential.
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This model proved highly effective during Neymar's first Santos spell, during which he achieved the rare distinction of being nominated for the Ballon d'Or while playing for a Brazilian club.
Neymar's time at Al-Hilal proved disappointing, with the Brazilian making just seven appearances and scoring once during his 17-month stay.
His spell in Saudi Arabia was heavily disrupted by injuries, including a serious knee problem and hamstring issues.
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Despite commanding one of football's highest salaries at £130million per year following his move from Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar struggled to meet expectations in the Saudi Pro League.
The mutual termination of his Al-Hilal contract paved the way for his emotional return to Santos.
Santos president Marcelo Teixeira welcomed Neymar's return with open arms, declaring: "It is the time to come back to your people. To our home, to the club in our hearts."
Neymar made his name at Santos and will be hoping to win trophies after returning to the Brazilian club
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In an emotional social media post, Teixeira added: "Welcome, our boy Ney! A boy of Vila. Come back to be happy again with the white and black shirt."
The club has endured recent struggles, suffering relegation to Brazil's second tier in 2023.
However, their rich history includes producing Brazilian legends such as Pelé, Carlos Alberto, Coutinho, and Zito at their historic Vila Belmiro stadium.
