Published By: Sayan Guha

On This Day (Feb. 5): Neymar at 33: How Impressive Was the Brazilian Superstar in His First Stint at Santos?

A birthday, a homecoming, and the magic of Santos reborn!

There is something poetic about football. It has a way of bringing things full circle. For Neymar Jr., there could be no better birthday present than the chance to wear the famous white of Santos once more—the club where it all began.

Born on 5 February 1992, Neymar's journey from the narrow streets of São Vicente to the grandest stages of European football has been nothing short of spectacular. Despite excelling at Barcelona and making history with PSG, his bond with Santos, his childhood club, remains strong. As the wunderkind from Brazil prepares to embark on a new journey with his childhood club, let us reflect on his first stint at Santos on this special day.

A teenage prodigy takes centre stage

Santos has long been a breeding ground for Brazilian football heroes, including Pelé and Robinho. However, in 2009, a wiry teenager with tremendous flair and a talent for the spectacular emerged, instantly capturing attention. Neymar made his senior debut for Santos at the age of 17, and the world quickly took note.

In his debut season, the teenager scored 14 goals in 48 matches, showcasing ability and confidence far beyond his years. This early success was just a glimpse of the greatness that was to come, a source of immense pride for his fans and a testament to his extraordinary talent.

The 2010 breakthrough: Copa do Brasil and Paulista glory

If 2009 was Neymar's debut, 2010 was his burst into the scene. At the age of 18, he led Santos to their first national title since Pelé's time, the Copa do Brasil. Neymar led the tournament in scoring with 11 goals, surprising opponents with his fast feet and clever manoeuvres.

He also led Santos to the Campeonato Paulista title by scoring 14 goals and was awarded the league's Best Player. That season, Neymar's explosive sprints and unstoppable dribbling propelled him to the top of the international football prospect rankings.

2011: Libertadores triumph and South American crown

Santos had not won the Copa Libertadores since Pelé's era. That changed in 2011, primarily due to Neymar's talent. He guided Santos to victory with six goals in the competition, solidifying his place in the club's history. His performance in the final against Peñarol, where he scored in a 2-1 triumph, showcased his ability to excel on the highest stage.

Neymar received the South American Footballer of the Year award that year, demonstrating his dominance at 19. By this time, European clubs were queuing up to sign him, but he remained loyal to Santos for a bit longer.

The 2012 show and the FIFA Puskás Award

By 2012, Neymar was no longer just a Brazilian superstar but a worldwide sensation. He scored 43 goals in 47 games that season, including a stunning solo effort against Internacional that earned him the FIFA Puskás Award for best goal of the year. His fantastic dribbling, acceleration, and poise in front of goal left the world in amazement.

Santos won another Paulista title, while Neymar won the league's Best Player award again. He concluded his stint at the club with 136 goals in 225 appearances, which is incredible for a kid who was still under the age of 21.

The Barcelona move and a farewell to Santos

By mid-2013, the inevitable had occurred: Barcelona had come knocking. Neymar says farewell to Santos, leaving a legacy that confirmed him as one of the club's best players. He'd outgrown Brazilian football, and Europe was his next destination.

In 2025, Neymar returns to Santos not as a brave teenager but as a global icon. He comes with enormous wealth, numerous prizes, and memories of his brilliance, but he also returns with a body ravaged by injuries. This homecoming is a dream come true for Santos fans, a moment that brings back fond memories of his early days and a chance to relive the excitement of his youth.

On his 33rd birthday, Neymar returns not just to a club but also to a family and a city that still loves him.