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Formiga retires after playing in 7 world cups and 7 Olympics For Brazil

Brazilian legend Formiga will play her last farewell football match for Brazil against India on 25 November 2021.

Nov 12, 2021, 8:02 AM3 min read

Brazilian legend Formiga will play her last farewell football match for Brazil against India on 25 November 2021. The Brazilian has represented her nation in seven back-to-back Women's World Cups and at seven Olympic Games.

"The legendary Formiga will say goodbye to the women's national team," the official Brazil federation account said on Instagram. "It is a historic moment for a life dedicated to the yellow shirt and soccer. We love you."

Formiga has played 233 matches for Brazil. Her first Olympic appearance was in 1996 at the Games in Atlanta. She was also a part of the squad. When Brazil took Olympic silver medals home in 2004 and 2008. Before the commencement of Tokyo 2020, she had confirmed that the Olympics in Japan would be her last major tournament.

Miraildes Maciel Mota - Formiga - Sportz Point
Miraildes Maciel Mota. Photo- Planet Football

Let's look at Formiga's Extraordinary Career

Formiga played her first international match at 17, in the 1995 Women's World Cup. Before the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, she was a regular first-team player. Formiga's real name is Miraildes Maciel Mota. She earned the nickname "Formiga" which means "ant" in Portuguese, because of her unselfish style of play. 

At the Tokyo 2020 Games, Formiga was the oldest player to play at the Women's Olympic Football tournament. Her compatriot Brazilian, Meg, was the holder of the oldest player record since the 1996 Olympics. When she was aged 40 years and seven months.

Her comeback from retirement

She was able to reach this feat because she was persuaded back into the team. After she decided to take a break from the national team.

She returned to make sure her team, Brazil, helped them to qualify for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. And then she became more interested in breaking even more records.

"I only came out of retirement due to necessity," she said according to FIFA.

"The Selecao didn't have anybody in my position, anyone who played in my style. The coach said he needed me. The Selecao needed to qualify for the World Cup.

"I spoke to Viadao. I gave it a lot of thought. The thought of Brazil missing out of the World Cup weighed heavily on me and eventually, I decided to help. I had no intention to carry on and play in the World Cup, but breaking barriers spurs me on."

Her presence in the team did help them qualify for the tournament in France, and progress to the quarter-finals, where they were beaten by the hosts.

Formiga retires without a World Cup trophy on her honors list. Brazil has also never won an Olympic gold medal in women's football.

Reaction from social media

Some top football accounts praised Formiga on social media.

"Legend of our game! Congrats Formiga on an amazing career," two-time Olympic gold medallist Mia Hamm said on Twitter.

The USWNT said on Twitter: "A legend of the game and a truly remarkable career. Congratulations, Formiga!"

Carli Lloyd echoed the sentiment also saying on Twitter, "Legend. So much respect for you!! Amazing player and career. All the best in your future!"

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The greatest football XI as per Ronaldo Nazario: Check out the team

Explore the greatest football XI of all time, chosen by legendary striker Ronaldo Nazário. Discover his ultimate dream team, featuring football icons and unforgettable talent on the pitch.

Mar 7, 2025, 5:58 PM5 min read

The greatest football XI as per Ronaldo Nazario-sportzpoint.com

Former Brazilian striker Ronaldo Nazario, 'the phenomenon' named some of his colleagues, footballing legends and icons among his list of the 11 best players ever. Former Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Juventus stars are on the list.

In this special article, we explore the greatest football XI as per Ronaldo Nazario.

The greatest football XI as per Ronaldo:

  1. Pele
  2. Lionel Messi
  3. Diego Maradona
  4. Zico
  5. Romario
  6. Cristiano Ronaldo
  7. Marco Van Basten
  8. Zinedine Zidane
  9. Luis Figo
  10. Rivaldo 
  11. Ronaldinho

1. Pele

The greatest football XI as per Ronaldo Nazario-sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit: GOAL.com)

Ronaldo Nazario grew up in Brazil in the 80s, it is not a surprise that he picked Pele. While Ronaldo Nazario was too young to watch Pele play live, his legacy is still to this day within the football world. For many Brazilians, Pele will always be the Greatest of all time.

2. Lionel Messi

The greatest football XI as per Ronaldo Nazario-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: GOAL.com

Ronaldo has often spoken highly of the Argentine forward, and it is not a surprise that he named Lionel Messi as one of the best players of all time.

Ronaldo Nazario said the following during an interview in 2020:

Messi is out of this world. He’s great. I like him much more than any other player. Everything he does is spectacular.

3. Diego Maradona

The greatest football XI as per Ronaldo Nazario-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: The Boston Globe

Ronaldo was born in 1976; he would have seen Diego Maradona in action during his development years and it is no surprise that the Argentine genius made such an impression on him. In reverse, Diego Maradona was always very complimentary of Ronaldo.

In 2018, Maradona said:

“If it were not for the injuries, Ronaldo would have been the best of all time.”

4. Zico

The greatest football XI as per Ronaldo Nazario-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: The Football Times

Zico spent the majority of his career playing in his native country for Flamengo. He enjoyed a brief spell in Europe with Udinese but only spent two years playing in Italy before he returned to Brazil.

The Former Brazilian midfielder also earned 71 caps for Brazil and scored 48 goals on the international stage. Despite never winning the World Cup, he is still considered one of the greatest players in the country’s history.

5. Romario

The greatest football XI as per Ronaldo Nazario-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: Planet Football

Ronaldo played a total of 19 games alongside Romario for Brazil and the pair combined for 12 goals during their time together. 

Ronaldo told Bobo TV during an interview in 2022.

In 1997, I was an important player already. I had already won the Ballon d’Or. 

During the training retreat for the Copa America, Romario suddenly told me: ‘Get ready, we go out tonight, don’t worry.’

He had prepared a ladder to climb over the hotel’s wall and there was a taxi waiting for us on the other side.

We returned at five am and I was exhausted the following day in training. I understood that Romario did it on purpose to tire me out and take my spot in the starting XI.

6. Cristiano Ronaldo

The greatest football XI as per Ronaldo Nazario-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: Managing Madrid

While Ronaldo Nazario neglected Cristiano Ronaldo from his three greatest players of all time, he still names the Portuguese forward in his best XI.

Ronaldo Nazario told ESPN: 

Cristiano has an incredible career; he has scored in every way possible and successfully adapted to different positions. He is undoubtedly one of the best, but not the greatest.

7. Marco Van Basten:

The greatest football XI as per Ronaldo Nazario-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: Soccer News

There can be no denying that the three-time Ballon d’Or winner ranks among the greatest players of all time. At club level, the Dutchman scored a whopping 283 goals in just 379 appearances for Ajax and AC Milan. Like Ronaldo, Van Basten had to retire his career short because of injuries.

8. Zinedine Zidane

The greatest football XI as per Ronaldo Nazario-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: Sportskeeda

During their time together at Real Madrid, Ronaldo played 139 games alongside Zinedine Zidane and the pair combined for 31 goals during that time. Considered by many to be the greatest midfielder of all time, it is no surprise that the Frenchman cuts into Ronaldo’s elite list.

9. Luis Figo

The greatest football XI as per Ronaldo Nazario-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: Barca Universal

Ronaldo shared a close bond with Luis Figo during his playing days as the pair played alongside each other at Barcelona and Real Madrid. In fact, throughout Ronaldo Nazario's career, only Iker Casillas and Roberto Carlos played more games with him than Figo played.

The former Portuguese winger won 22 trophies throughout his career and undoubtedly ranks as one of the best players of his generation.

10. Rivaldo

The greatest football XI as per Ronaldo Nazario-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: GOAL.com

Rivaldo was also recognized by Nazario as one of the best players of all time. Former Brazilian international won the Ballon d'Or in 1999. While they never played together at club level, they did make 46 appearances alongside each other when playing for the national team.

11. Ronaldinho

The greatest football XI as per Ronaldo Nazario-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: X

The last name that Ronaldo gave when naming the best players of all time was Ronaldinho. A fellow Ballon d’Or and World Cup winner, this list would feel incomplete without the legendary attacking midfielder. The pair made 39 appearances together for Brazil and won the World Cup and Copa America together.

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FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Brazil's squad announced, Neymar and Oscar named in the squad

Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers squad has been announced, and Neymar and Oscar have been called for the qualifiers. This article provides the full squad details.

Mar 2, 2025, 1:39 PM2 min read

Neymar and Oscar named in Brazil's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
(Image Credit | The Independent)

The Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) has announced a preliminary list of 52 players called up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying matches against Colombia on March 21 and Argentina on March 26. 

This list includes former Barcelona forward Neymar Jr. and former Chelsea forward Oscar, both of whom are returning to the national team after a long time.

Next week, Brazil national team's head coach Dorival Junior will announce the final squad of 23 players.

Full Players List:

Goalkeepers:

  •  Alisson (Liverpool, England),
  • Bento (Al-Nassr, Saudi Arabia),
  • Ederson (Manchester City, England),
  • Hugo Souza (Corinthians),
  • Lucas Perry (Lyon, France),
  •  Weverton (Palmeiras).

Defenders:

  •  Alessandro (Lille, France),
  • Beraldo (Paris Saint-Germain, France),
  • Danilo (Flamengo), Fabricio Bruno (Cruzeiro),
  • Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal, England),
  • Leo Ortiz (Flamengo),
  • Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain, France),
  • Murillo (Nottingham Forest, England).

Full-backs: 

  • Abner (Lyon, France),
  • Alex Sandro (Flamengo),
  • Alex Telles (Botafogo),
  • Dodo (Fiorentina, Italy),
  •  Douglas Santos (Zenit, Russia),
  • Guilherme Arana (Atletico Mineiro),
  • Wanderson (Monaco, France),
  • Wesley (Flamengo).

Midfielders: 

  • Alisson (São Paulo),
  • Andre (Wolverhampton, England),
  • Andreas Pereira (Fulham, England),
  • Andrey Santos (Strasbourg, France),
  • Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle, England),
  • Ederson (Atalanta, Italy),
  • Gerson (Flamengo),
  • João Gomes (Wolverhampton, England),
  • Joelinton (Newcastle, England),
  • Lucas Moura (São Paulo),
  • Lucas Paquetá (West Ham, England),
  • Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton, England),
  • Neymar (Santos),
  • Oscar (São Paulo).

Forwards:

  •  Antony (Real Betis, Spain),
  • Bruno Henrique (Flamengo),
  • Endrick (Real Madrid, Spain),
  • Estevão (Palmeiras),
  • Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal, England),
  •  Galeno (Al-Ahli, Saudi Arabia),
  • Igor Jesus (Botafogo),
  •  Igor Paixão (Feyenoord, Netherlands),
  • João Pedro (Brighton, England),
  • Luis Enrique (Zenit, Russia),
  • Raphinha (Barcelona, Spain),
  • Rodrygo (Real Madrid, Spain),
  • Samuel Lino (Atletico Madrid, Spain),
  • Savinho (Manchester City, England),
  • Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid, Spain), 
  • Yuri Alberto (Corinthians)

 

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Why does Bruno Guimarães wear Jersey no. 39? Here is the emotional story behind it

Bruno Guimarães has worn Jersey no. 39 for every club he has played in. Sportz Point presents the emotional story behind the Brazilian midfielder's preference for choosing this certain number.

Feb 21, 2025, 5:12 PM5 min read

Why does Bruno Guimarães wear Jersey no. 39? Here is the emotional story behind it-sportzpoint.com

Bruno Guimarães is one of the most talented and prolific midfielders in the world football right now. The 27-year-old Brazilian currently plays for the Premier League side Newcastle United, where he established himself as one of the best midfielders in recent years with his sublime ball-playing ability and playmaking skills.

One of the most interesting things about Guimarães is that he wears an unusual number for a first-team central midfielder like him. Instead of the traditional four, six, or eight numbers for midfielders, the Brazilian wears the number 39 shirt.

Even more interestingly, the Brazilian has worn the 39-numbered Jersey in every club he has played in his senior club career so far, showing his intense attachment to this certain number. This surely raises a question among the fans, why does he always prefer this number?

Well, the reason behind it is very emotional and heartwarming. Guimarães pays homage to his father, who endured struggles as a taxi driver to help the player grow his football career.

The emotional story behind Guimarães' Jersey no. 39 

(Image Source | The Players' Tribune)

Burno's father Dick Guimarães used to be a taxi driver in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as the number 39 was his vehicle's despatch number.

In the famous 'The Players' Tribune', Guimarães wrote an emotional article in February 2023, revealing the heart-warming reason behind his using the number so often and putting it up in his football shirts during his senior club career.

The number tells a story more beautiful than words can say. 39. I know people think it’s a weird number for a footballer. But for me 39 is special — no, it’s more than that. It's magical. The number 39 gave me everything in life. It got me here to Newcastle. It fed me, clothed me, and paid for three-hour bus rides to pursue my dream. #039 was the dispatch number of my father’s taxi in Rio de Janeiro.

He dived deeper into the emotional backstory, as later on he wrote:

My mother worked in a motorcycle shop. My father, of course, was a taxi driver. In Brazil, especially in Rio, this is a tough life. You work basically all day and night. But that yellow taxi kept my dream alive. Pretty much the only day I saw my father was on Saturday, when he came to watch me play football. It made me nervous, to be honest. My father was my hero. I didn’t want to disappoint him. And he was quite hard on me, at first. Sometimes he’d even say, 'I’m tired of seeing you lose. You can have an extra hamburger today, but only if you win.

"My journey was not a superstar’s story."

 

Bruno Guimarães pulled the emotional strings of his childhood complexities and sufferings but never overlooked the sacrifices his parents made.

I won’t lie. There were a few times that I had my bags packed. Once, I called my mom and told her to send me money for a bus ticket home. And I can hear her voice saying, “Stay calm. In a little while, we’ll be there together. This is your dream. This is what you want.” 

They used to drive up to see me in the taxi on weekends. Even on his day off, my dad couldn’t escape the yellow taxi, number 039. For three years, I struggled at the academy. By the time I was 17, I still didn’t have a professional contract. It’s crazy to think about kids like Vinicius Jr. and Endrick — 16, 17 years old and — they were already stars. Me, I was making backup plans to become a taxi driver like my father. I was only earning about R$400 a month, and I think my cellphone bill was R$100. If I didn’t get a pro contract at 18, I had to be realistic. I didn’t want my parents to be disappointed, so I lied and said that I was taking my license test because I dreamed of having a VW Beetle when I signed my contract. But really, I was working on my back-up for “real life.” 

I was months away from becoming 039 myself, if I didn’t get my break. 

(Image Source | The Players' Tribune)

Bruno also recalled an emotional phone call with his father when he was loaned to Brazilian side Athletico Paranaense in Brazil.

...When I was loaned to Athletico Paranaense, I was talking to my father on the phone on the day I arrived, and I said, “Hey, what number do you think I should take? I’m thinking of using 97, because I was born in 1997.” 

And he said, “What about 39? That is more than a number. 039 gave us everything we have, Bruno. Our house, our food, our furniture, your football boots. It was all because of our taxi.”...

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From Santos to the World: Neymar's Journey is football's greatest "Could Have Been"

In this article, we will explore the journey of Brazilian star Neymar Jr., who was destined to be one of the greatest footballers ever but remained as football's greatest "Could Have Been."

Jan 29, 2025, 11:49 AM9 min read

From Santos to the World: Neymar's Journey is football's greatest "Could Have Been"-sportzpoint.com

Neymar Jr. and Al-Hilal have mutually parted ways, as the Saudi Arabian side announced yesterday issuing a statement that "Al-Hilal Club Company and Neymar Jr. have agreed to terminate their contractual relationship by mutual consent." 

Neymar has also posted an emotional message to the Al-Hilal fans and the club on his socials, thanking them for the memories in Saudi Arabia

The 32-year-old Brazilian is reportedly set for a sensational homecoming to Santos FC, where he spent his boyhood and became a household name during his early days before entering a rollercoaster ride in European football. 

Neymar is often regarded as one of the greatest players who could not live up to their potential. He is also widely debated as the greatest footballer who never won a Ballon d'Or. Now, Neymar's reported homecoming to the roots is making fans teary and also leaving them in despair, is he the football's greatest "Could Have Been"? 

Read Also | Neymar back to Santos? Looks like a homecoming!

The ascendence to glory and gloom: Neymar's journey from Santos to European football

From Santos to the World: Neymar's Journey is football's greatest "Could Have Been"-sportzpoint.com
Neymar in Santos, 2012.

The little boy who started to nurture his footballing skills in the streets of São Paulo caught the attention of the scouts from the renowned Brazilian football club Santos FC. It was in 2003 when Neymar Da Silva Santos Jr., aged only 11, entered the Santos Academy's premises as the new inductee to the youth team.

Cut to the year 2009. After showcasing his immense technical ability, and pure Brazilian-style of footballing skills across the youth ranks of Santos, Neymar earned his debut for the Santos senior team at the age of only 17.

Over the next four years, Neymar Jr. bagged an impressive tally of 136 goals and 64 assists in 225 appearances across all competitions. The young Brazilian played an integral part in Santos' victorious 2010-11 Copa Libertadores campaign and in winning the 2010 Brazilian Cup as well. 

Neymar Jr. stormed into the headlines of football discussions worldwide, regarding him as the heir of the likes of Kaka and Ronaldinho in the Brazil national team. He was also named the 2012 South American Footballer of the Year, solidifying his stature as the most promising talent at that time.

However, it was in 2011 when the top European clubs started monitoring him closely. Spanish giants Real Madrid and English side Chelsea had a strong interest in signing Neymar in the upcoming days. But it was FC Barcelona who secured the signing of Neymar in 2013, paying a mammoth transfer package of €88 million to Santos. 

Neymar's move to Barca was no less controversial, as revealed by football writers Alex Duff and Tariq Panja. In their book "Football’s Secret Trade", they revealed the thrilling backstory of Neymar's signing for Barcelona. 

Although Real Madrid seemed to be Neymar's most likely destination to commence his European career, the Brazilian himself signed a pre-contract agreement with Barcelona to join them in the upcoming transfer window. Even his club Santos was kept in darkness about the agreement.

However, as the curtain was finally up, Neymar was officially presented to the fans in a jam-packed Camp Nou on June 3rd, 2013. The Brazilian was paired up with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, forming one of the greatest trios in football history, the 'MSN'.

Read Also | MSN vs BBC: Rivalry of the greatest trios in football history

Neymar played a huge part in Barcelona's UEFA Champions League winning campaign in 2014-15, scoring the highest season tally of 10 goals along with scoring the insurance goal in the final. That season, Neymar played a prominent part in Barcelona's treble-winning run as well, quoting himself as one of the best footballers at that moment.

The MSN trio also ended the season with a staggering 122 goals, the most in a season for an attacking trio in Spanish football history. Neymar registered 39 goals across all competitions.

Five Final Truths: Barcelona's MSN of Messi, Suarez and Neymar prove  themselves greatest trio ever - Eurosport
MSN: Messi, Suarez and Neymar. (Image Credit | Eurosport)

However, the four years he played for Barcelona brought him plenty of personal honours and team accolades, but Neymar did not come close to winning the Ballon d'Or. After finishing in seventh place in 2014 and third place in 2015, Neymar did not have much to contest in the winner's debate.

La Remontada and the pathway to exit

From Santos to the World: Neymar's Journey is football's greatest "Could Have Been"-sportzpoint.com
Neymar in the Remontada game in 2017. (Image Credit | Eurosport)

Barcelona's historic 6-1 victory against Paris Saint-Germain in the UCL 2016-17 pre-quarterfinal second leg, which was termed as 'La Remontada', fuelled the fire of Neymar leaving Barcelona. After losing the first leg by 0-4 against the French opponent, Neymar made a comment that ignited the hope of the Barca fans.

Neymar wrote, "As long as there’s a 1% chance, we’ll have 99% faith" on his socials following the 0-4 crushing in Paris. The Brazilian went on to keep his word, orchestrating the Barcelona attacks for the whole game while also scoring two goals and providing one assist to the sixth goal that won Barcelona the game.

However, even after Neymar rescued the team from a distressing situation, it was an iconic image of Lionel Messi leaping with the fans that made the headlines as well became the image of the game. Since this time, Neymar reportedly felt the urge to get out of the stature of Lionel Messi.

Neymar's decision to leave Barcelona and join Paris Saint-Germain was not only driven by his desire to emerge from Messi's shadow but also to embrace the opportunity to shine as the sole star player, bolstering his path to winning the Ballon d'Or.

From Santos to the World: Neymar's Journey is football's greatest "Could Have Been"-sportzpoint.com
PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Neymar in 2017. (Image Credit | the Guardian)

PSG completed a huge €222 million transfer to rope in Neymar, marking this as the most expensive transfer of all time to date. Although the relationship between him and Barcelona fans was damaged after his unexpected transfer to PSG, Neymar took the center-stage at the French club, leading the side from the front.

Read Also | 5 Craziest football transfer of all-time

Departure from PSG

From Santos to the World: Neymar's Journey is football's greatest "Could Have Been"-sportzpoint.com
UCL final, 2020. (Image Credit | GOAL)

However, what was naturally expected to be a cakewalk; turned into a rocky road for Neymar. Frequent injuries and several legal scrutinies made his stint at the Parisian club full of ups and downs. He accumulated 77 goals and 49 assists in 173 matches for PSG, but only came close to winning the Champions League in 2020, but lost to Bayern Munich in the final.

Sadly, after leaving Barcelona, Neymar never made it to the Ballon d'Or top ten, let alone winning it. His brawls with his PSG teammates from time to time made his stay at PSG tumultuous, and he ultimately failed to justify the price tag. Across his six-year stint at PSG, Neymar missed 119 games in total due to injuries.

Although he rejoined Lionel Messi at PSG in 2021 and formed the trident of MNM along with another superstar, Kylian Mbappe, the trio also failed to live up to the expectations.

The relationship between Neymar, PSG, and PSG fans completely broke down after he suffered another injury in March 2023 as the supporters demanded the departure of Neymar in various on-street protests. 

Exit from European football

From Santos to the World: Neymar's Journey is football's greatest "Could Have Been"-sportzpoint.com
Neymar's official Al-Hilal presentation. (Image Credit | X)

PSG management finally ran out of patience and decided to sell Neymar in August 2023, informing him that he was not in the overhaul plan for them.

Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal paid a lucrative two-year contract to the Brazilian as he signed for them on a transfer fee of €90 million, making him the most expensive purchase in the Saudi Pro League.

Just two months after signing, he suffered a devastating ACL injury while representing Brazil in a World Cup qualifier. After several months of recovery, he returned to action in late 2024 but was quickly sidelined again due to a hamstring injury.

From Santos to the World: Neymar's Journey is football's greatest "Could Have Been"-sportzpoint.com

Overall, he made only seven appearances for the Saudi club, scoring just once in an AFC Champions League match against Nassaji Mazandaran. These injuries, combined with fitness concerns, led to mutual frustration as Al-Hilal have officially announced the termination of the contract after almost two years after the star signing. 

Neymar has reportedly agreed to a significant salary reduction to join Santos, forfeiting approximately €62 million in remaining wages. 

What could have been a storied career, drifted into a career studded with unexpected ups and downs, frequent injury concerns, and devastating failures. The question still lingers for football fans, what if Neymar had not left Barcelona or taken his decisions otherwise?

Neymar Jr, the 32-year-old man, is returning to his roots with the tag that will surely pain him for a lifetime that he is the greatest footballer who failed to fully capitalize on his immense potential. He still has a significant time left for his upcoming club and the Brazil national team to turn the tables, but the years have termed him as football's greatest "Could Have Been."

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Transfer News: Neymar back to Santos? Looks like a homecoming!

Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr. has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with his boyhood club, Santos, to make an emotional homecoming come true in the coming days.

Jan 27, 2025, 9:55 AM5 min read

Transfer News: Neymar back to Santos? Looks like a homecoming!-sportzpoint.com

Neymar Jr. is reportedly all set to make a sensational return to his boyhood club Santos this month, terminating the contract with his current club Al-Hilal.  

According to a report from renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, the verbal agreement between Neymar and Santos is already through, and the deal is imminent to be finalized.

Neymar's current club Al-Hilal is expected to pen the deal with Santos in the coming days, as Neymar is fully asserted to the move. 

A thrilling comeback to the roots 

Transfer News: Neymar back to Santos? Looks like a homecoming!-sportzpoint.com

Following a long-going feud with Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar left the French side in August 2023 to join the Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal on a huge two-year contract worth €90 million.

However, his spell in the Arabian Gulf has not been a cakewalk, as he frequently suffered injuries. Neymar had the biggest blow in October 2023, suffering an ACL tear which left him out of the following AFC Champions League campaign.

Neymar came back to play for Al-Hilal after almost a year in October 2024. Although he had some game-time at first, in the very next game, Neymar suffered another hamstring injury, sidelining him for the remainder of the year. 

Al-Hilal head coach Jorge Jesus stated his concerns about Neymar just a week ago, on 17 January 2025.

He is a player who leaves no doubt, a world-class player. But the truth is that physically, Neymar can no longer play at the level we are used to. Things have become difficult for him, unfortunately.

Al-Hilal management is not keen to pen down a new deal with Neymar due to his injury woes, as it opened a door for an emotional return to his roots. 

Neymar played in the youth ranks of Santos from 2003 to 2009, marking his stature as one of the biggest emerging talents coming out of Brazil. 

Representing the Santos senior team from 2009 to 2013, Neymar accumulated 136 goals and 64 assists in 225 matches across all competitions.

However, his most significant period in European football was spent playing for FC Barcelona from 2013 to 2017, with 105 goals and 76 assists in 186 matches, clinching two LaLigas and the 2014-15 UEFA Champions League.

Can Neymar compete for the national team selection?Transfer News: Neymar back to Santos? Looks like a homecoming!-sportzpoint.com

Brazil National team's head coach Dorival Júnior has significantly prioritized picking players from the Brazilian football divisions since his tenure began. 

Over the last two years, Neymar has made very less appearances for the national team, leaving him uncertain about his future with Brazil. He was also dropped out of the squad for the friendlies in September 2024. Since the 2022 World Cup, Neymar has only played 20 games collectively for his club and country.

With the 2026 World Cup at stake which is only half-a-year away, it will be thrilling for the fans to see if Neymar can enter the national team roster. However, Dorival Júnior stated back in November 2024, that he is closely monitoring Neymar's progress.

Neymar has been sensational for Brazil, bagging 79 goals and 59 assists in 128 appearances including friendlies. However, he has not yet acquired the World Cup glory and the Samba fans will surely want to witness him for one probable last time in the Seleção shirt. 

Neymar's return to Santos and the Brazilian league football will benefit the forward only if he manages to recover from his injury spree and earn significant game-time to compete against the present core of the national team. 

Read Also | Brazil fail without Neymar: these stats prove that

There is another obstacle for Neymar, which may be worrying; Santos is currently playing in Serie B after being relegated last season. However, Santos is topping the Serie B leaderboard and will be promoted to the premier division.

Dorival Júnior has plenty of options for the forward berths, but would it be risky to leave Neymar out of the squad for a tournament such as the World Cup? Honestly, we don't know.

In the past, we have witnessed Neymar struggling for his club but he has always delivered his best with the national team. Brazil's runner-up finish in the 2020 Copa America or the quarter-final finish in the 2022 World Cup; Neymar always gave his sweat and blood for the Seleção shirt. 

Significantly, both of these times he had to suffer frequent injuries while playing for his then-club PSG. 

Neymar will return to his boyhood club and a more familiar environment. Will the comfort zone bring out the beast in the greatest modern-day Brazilian footballer? Only time can tell.

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