Neymar has confirmed he will sign what is expected to be a short-term contract with his boyhood club, Santos, as the Brazil striker aims to recharge his career ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Neymar made his long awaited return to his boyhood club Santos and received massive ovation from the crowd on his 33rd birthday.

Neymar said he was left speechless after making his first appearance for Santos since returning to the Brazilian club where he began his illustrious career.

Brazil forward Neymar was lost for words after playing for Santos again - 12 years after first leaving the club.

But there’s a giant “and yet” hanging over Neymar’s career. Somehow, despite all those achievements, he hasn’t quite achieved all he could – or should – have. The Ballon d’Or and the World Cup remain conspicuously absent from his trophy cabinet.

Neymar took powerful shots from the edge of the box and ran above his own expectations in 52 minutes on the pitch for Santos on Wednesday in his first game for the Brazilian club since his return last week.