NEYMAR has been hailed the “best in the world” after scoring his first goal in over 500 DAYS.
The Brazilian is currently playing back in his homeland at Santos after a shock switch away from Al-Hilal.
Neymar, 33, took a mega 99 per cent pay cut to sign for his boyhood club on a five-month contract.
His spell in Saudi Arabia was not a happy one – apart from his £2.5m-a-week salary – as he only played seven times due to an ACL injury in October 2023.
The attacker is now back on the pitch and enjoying his football again for Santos.
He netted his first goal since his return on Sunday as he netted from the spot against Agua Santa.
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Santos won the clash 3-1 and Neymar put in a starring performance as he looked back to his skilful self.
He won the penalty in a move that saw him drift past two defenders, leaving one’s legs in a tangle.
Neymar converted the spot-kick in typical fashion with a staggered run-up and composed finish.
Fans have reacted to the moment and believe he can get back to the heights that saw him labelled one of the world’s best.
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One posted: “I was told Neymar was finished. Brother, if he is healthy… he still is Brazil’s best player and one of the best in the world.”
A second wrote: “Current Neymar on a run of games with no injury would be the best player in the world.”
A third commented: “He brings back the 2011 Neymar Santos vibe.”
A fourth said: “Class is permanent.”
Another added: “Neymar rolling back the years with this brilliant run and skill to win a penalty. Which he scores.”
While Neymar may not have had much success on the pitch in Saudi, he did not leave empty-handed.
He raked in an astonishing £200MILLION thanks to his £2.5m per week deal.
Despite just returning to Santos, Neymar has already been linked with another move to another one of his former clubs.
Multiple reports have claimed that he is keen on a switch to Barcelona at the end of his contract.
However, Neymar’s father has claimed that his son is planning on staying at Santos.
He said: “Our project is not only for five months, even though my son’s contract is only for five months.
“We did not come here to play five months, we have come to give Santos the opportunity to restructure itself during this time, to find allies who can help the club get back on its feet – and a lot of people have appeared.
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“(Santos President) Marcelo Teixeira is a fundamental piece in all this, because he gave me the opportunity to help Santos.
“This is a difficult time for the club. Knowing the weight of bringing Neymar here, it is necessary for the entity to reach an adequate level so that he can be happy here.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
