Neymar to rejoin Santos after leaving Saudi Pro League

Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Brazilian soccer star Neymar will rejoin Santos, where he made his senior level debut in 2009, after ending his tenure with Saudi Pro League franchise Al Hilal, Santos president Marcelo Teixeira announced Tuesday.

"It is the time [to come back], Neymar," Teixeira said on Instagram. "It is time for you to come back to your people. To our home, to the club in our hearts.

"Welcome, our boy Ney! A boy of Vila. Come back to be happy again with the white and black shirt. The Santos nation awaits you with open arms."

Neymar, 32, played at Santos until joining Spanish La Liga power Barcelona in 2013. He went on to star at French Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain from 2017 through 2023. Neymar joined Al-Hilal in 2023. He scored once goal in seven appearances during his injury-plagued spell with the Saudi club.

Santos (20-10-8) won Brasileiro Serie B in their first season after being relegated from Serie A, Brazil's top soccer league. It earned promotion back to Serie A in November.

Santos will play Sao Bernardo at 4:30 p.m. EST Wednesday in Sao Bernardo do Campo.