Neymar’s Re-debut at Santos Ends in Draw with Botafogo-SP
On a night full of excitement, anticipation, and celebrity-filled stands, Neymar made his highly anticipated re-debut for Santos FC. The match took place on February 5, 2025, against Botafogo-SP at the famous Vila Belmiro, but despite the festive atmosphere, the game ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw. Santos had been leading after Tiquinho Soares’ penalty in the first half, but Alexandre Jesus' header in the second half pulled the visitors level, causing a dampener on the home team’s mood.
Santos started the match with a solid presence, creating some opportunities early on. The breakthrough came at the 37th minute of the first half, when Wallison from Botafogo-SP handled the ball in the box, leading to a penalty decision after a VAR review. Tiquinho Soares, the new striker for Santos, confidently converted from the spot, marking his first goal for the team.
Despite the early lead, the momentum shifted when Botafogo-SP found an equalizer in the 22nd minute of the second half. Alexandre Jesus leapt above the Santos defenders and powered a header past goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão, tying the game at 1-1.
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It was the moment that the entire stadium had been waiting for—Neymar’s re-debut. Originally expected to play just 30 minutes, Neymar entered the field just after halftime, much earlier than planned. As the home crowd cheered with chants of “Neymar, Neymar,” the star was visibly moved by the support. His first touch on the ball, however, was a painful one, as he took a hit to the groin in an early challenge, but he quickly recovered and continued to contribute.
Neymar’s presence on the field added a spark to the Santos attack. He was involved in multiple dangerous plays, including a brilliant individual dribble where he beat two defenders before taking a shot that was ruled out for offside. He also played a key role in orchestrating the team’s offensive movement, though his efforts didn’t result in a decisive goal. At one point, Neymar was involved in two yellow cards being issued in quick succession—one for an opponent and one for a tough challenge on him.
The Santos team continued to press, especially with Neymar’s involvement. With Botafogo-SP reduced to 10 men after Wallison’s second yellow card, Santos seemed poised to find the winner. However, despite numerous opportunities, including a shot from Tomás Rincón that hit the post, the game remained deadlocked.
The match saw several notable moments, with both teams testing the woodwork and the goalkeepers pulling off vital saves. Neymar’s return was definitely the highlight of the evening, but the result left Santos with mixed feelings. The draw meant Santos kept their lead at the top of Group B in the Paulista Championship, but they would have hoped for more, especially with Neymar back in action.
Neymar’s reappearance on the pitch was not just a sporting event; it was a cultural one, with many celebrities in the stands, including former Santos star Ricardo Oliveira, futsal legend Falcão, and various influencers and musicians. Although Santos couldn’t secure the win, Neymar’s performance hinted that better days could lie ahead for both him and the club.
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