Neymar is already mapping out his next step, with a return to boyhood club Santos potentially in the pipeline.
The 32-year-old, who currently plies his trade at Al Hilal, is currently sidelined with knee ligament damage and has made just five appearances for the Saudi Pro League side.
Neymar was recently the guest of honour at the Campeonato Paulista final between Santos and Palmeiras, which was won by the former team.
The Brazilian spent time interacting with Santos players behind the scenes before stepping onto the field in front of a devoted fanbase.
Fans urged for his return as he showcased the Paulista trophy, with a club official later confirming to Brazilian outlet UOL that Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading goal-scorer, has pledged to revisit his homeland once he becomes a free agent in 2025.
It’s said the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain playmaker made this commitment during a visit to the Santos dressing room before the final.
Rumours of Neymar joining his ex-Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami in MLS had recently surged.
This speculation intensified after Neymar was spotted alongside David Beckham, one of the club’s owners, in the USA during his break from action.
However, the latest revelation indicates that Neymar has no plans to reunite the famous ‘MSN’ trio in the USA and instead prefers to make a comeback to Santos.
Brazilian journalist Ademir Quintino has also backed up claims of a potential return to his homeland in the near future.
“During conversations with friends of Neymar Senior and Neymar Junior, I received the information that they did not sign a four-year contract with the Saudis but rather a two-year contract so he can return (to Santos) a year before the World Cup,” he said.
“Neymar approached Santos and asked to return. I have friends in common with Neymar, whom I will not name, but he has a very strong desire to return to Santos.”