Neymar reveals how long it will take for him to be ‘100%’ again after returning to Santos on the back of seven-game Saudi Pro League disaster at Al-Hilal

A 2023 move to the Middle East did not play out as planned for Neymar, as he suffered knee ligament damage within weeks of committing to a lucrative contract at Al-Hilal. He worked his way back from that ailment, only to then pick up muscle complaints.

With Neymar unable to make a telling contribution on the field in Riyadh, the decision was taken to rip up his deal and release the Brazil international as a free agent. He has retraced steps to where it all began for him at Santos.

Neymar, at 33 years of age, has taken in three appearances for Santos since penning an initial six-month deal. He is still waiting on a first victory in familiar surroundings, with two draws and a defeat taken in so far. His latest outing came in a clash with derby rivals Corinthians.

The ex-Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain playmaker is still searching for a spark, but has told reporters on when he expects to be back to something resembling his best: “Physically, I'm getting better and better. Today I felt better than in the last game, so it's little by little. I won't be able to get back into shape all of a sudden. But in two or three games, I'll be 100%.”

Neymar is looking to build his form and fitness en route to the 2026 World Cup finals, which he intends to grace as his country’s all-time leading goalscorer. It remains be seen where he will be playing his club trade at that point, with a move to join Lionel Messi at MLS side Inter Miami having already been speculated on.