Santos superhero! Neymar bills himself as Batman in epic ‘I’m back’ message after answering call from boyhood club

At the age of 32, the South American superstar finds himself back where it all began. Having burst onto the scene at Santos as a precociously-gifted teenager, Neymar has retracted steps to his roots after severing ties with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.

His contract in the Middle East was ripped up to end an injury-ravaged spell, with just seven appearances made across 18 months. A move to join former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at MLS side Inter Miami was speculated on for a while.

Neymar has, however, signed an initial six-month contract at Santos. He was moved to tears at his official unveiling in familiar surroundings, having been given a hero’s welcome, and now intends to be one on the pitch after taking on the role of Batman.

Instagram

Neymar has Batman and Spider-Man tattoos on his back, while previously dressing up as The Joker for Halloween. He must now prove his form and fitness at Santos, but is ready to embrace that challenge and become a leader that starry-eyed team-mates and an adoring fan base look to for inspiration.