Nightmare for Neymar: Brazilian superstar posts underwhelming stats in second full debut for Santos

Neymar endured a forgettable second full debut for boyhood club Santos, with the Brazilian superstar posting some horrendous statistics.

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• Contract at Al-Hilal terminated
• Returned to his roots as a free agent
• Still lacking full match sharpness

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The ex-Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward finds himself back where it all began after seeing his lucrative contract at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal terminated. An injury-ravaged spell in the Middle East was cut short after just seven appearances.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Neymar saw a move to join Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at MLS side Inter Miami speculated on, but has instead committed to an initial six-month deal at Santos. He made his first outing for them since 2013 when stepping off the bench in a 1-1 draw with Botafogo.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Neymar was included from the start in a meeting with Novorizontino, but contributed little across 75 minutes in a 0-0 stalemate. The 33-year-old playmaker completed only one of his eight dribbles, lost the ball on 24 occasions and failed to record a single shot on target.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR?

  Neymar’s successful passing figures also came in at just 79 per cent, with there clearly still rust for him to shake. Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer will be hoping to do just that over the coming weeks, as he heads down a path that leads to the 2026 World Cup, with a hero’s reception having been afforded him at Santos.