Neymar is back where it all started, returning to Santos FC after a brief and challenging stint with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.

The Brazilian star has agreed to a six-month contract with his boyhood club, and his new salary structure is set to reflect both his star power and the evolving world of football finances.

Santos Salary Details

Neymar’s new deal with Santos includes a base salary of around £135,507 (R$1 million) per month.

But the interesting part comes with the additional agreement surrounding his image rights.

Neymar will retain up to 90% of his image rights, a structure that mirrors the lucrative deal he had with Santos earlier in his career between 2010 and 2013.

During that time, his base salary was significantly lower, but with image rights, his total earnings far surpassed his base wage.

A Historic Return to His Roots

This return to Santos is not just about the paycheck.

Neymar is looking to reignite his career and boost his chances of being selected for Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Santos, with their rich history and passionate fanbase, is seen as the perfect place for Neymar to get back to his best.

How Neymar’s Earnings Compare

When considering the full picture, Neymar’s monthly earnings could soar to £819,433 (R$6 million) when factoring in the 90% of image rights.

In comparison, his base salary will account for only about 18% of his total income each year.

This combination of salary and image rights is designed to make the most of Neymar’s brand value in today’s digital age.

Challenges at Al-Hilal and the Move Back Home

Neymar’s time at Al-Hilal was marred by injuries, including a knee injury followed by a hamstring issue, which limited his appearances to just seven games and one goal over 17 months.

Despite the massive £130 million-per-year contract, Neymar struggled to find his rhythm in the Saudi Pro League.

This led to his departure, giving him the opportunity to return to Santos, where his journey as a professional footballer began.

Santos Welcomes Neymar Back

Santos’ president, Marcelo Teixeira, expressed his excitement over Neymar’s return, calling it “the time for you to come back to your people, to our home.”

The club, which has seen better days but is still one of Brazil’s most prestigious, welcomes Neymar back with open arms.

The president shared emotional footage of Neymar’s early days at the club, reminding fans of the player’s incredible contributions in the black and white stripes.

Santos’ Resurgence and Neymar’s Legacy

Santos may have faced difficult times, including relegation to Brazil’s second tier in 2023, but they bounced back strongly last year.

The club’s rich legacy, having produced football legends like Pele and Carlos Alberto, continues to inspire.

Neymar, the last Brazilian to earn multiple Ballon d’Or nominations while playing for a Brazilian club, is now back to help the team regain its former glory.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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