Santos' president reached out to Brazilian star Neymar in a video shared on social media, saying it was “time to come back to (his) people.”

Marcelo Teixeira, the club president, posted the message on Instagram, but he didn’t officially announce that the 32-year-old would be returning to the club where he started his career in 2009.

“The time has come, Neymar. The time has come for you to return to your people. To your home, to our beloved club,” said Teixeira.

“Welcome back, Ney boy!… Come and be happy again in the sacred jersey. The Santos nation awaits you with open arms.”

Neymar's time with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia came to an end on Monday as both parties agreed to terminate his contract. This wraps up an injury-riddled 18 months in Riyadh. The former Barcelona and PSG star only managed to play seven games for the club after signing in August 2023, despite earning around $104 million a year.

Neymar started his career at Santos, where he made 225 appearances and scored 136 goals. He moved to Barcelona in 2013 and helped the team win the Champions League in 2015 alongside legends like Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. In 2017, PSG lured him away from Barcelona with a staggering transfer fee of 220 million euros ($230 million), which remains a world record.

On the international stage, Neymar is Brazil's all-time leading scorer, with 79 goals in 128 matches, surpassing the legendary Pele by two goals.