A Homecoming Like No Other - 👑 The Prince Has Returned

Andre Penner // AP Photo

What to know: For weeks now, speculation has taken over the international soccer world as Neymar looked for his next club after terminating his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal. It turns out, all roads lead back home.

Neymar grew up in Sao Paulo, where Santos soccer is everything. He grew up in the shadow of the king of Santos, legendary Brazilian and international soccer star Pele, who played 18 of his 21 professional seasons with the club. He was everything to Santos, and then Neymar arrived. A young Brazilian who was making shockwaves through the city since he was just a small boy, he was vaunted as the prodigal son, the Prince of Santos.

He played his first 5 years for the club that Pele built, the prince finally leading the club. He scored 107 goals in 177 appearances, both career highs for Neymar. Now, he’ll return to the club that he grew up around, likely to finish his career. This week, he signed a six month, the prince has returned.

Neymar, who wore number 11 during his first tenure with the club, will now wear the iconic number 10, the number Pele won during his long career with the club. A celebration took place last night in Estadio Urbano Caldeira, the home of Santos football club, to welcome back their hero. It was a moment for Neymar, but also his family, the fans, the club, and his country.

Now, the question remains, can Neymar lead his club back to glory? Or will this just be one last trip under the sun? Either way, it’ll be a beautiful moment seeing the boyhood legend step onto the pitch donning the legendary jersey once again.

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