After 12 long years, Neymar’s return to Santos sparked a wave of excitement and hope among fans. Many believed the “Golden Boy” would reignite his magic where it all began. But reality has painted a different picture—one marred by injuries, poor performances, and a struggling team.

In mid-April, a muscle injury sidelined Neymar for nearly a month. He finally made his comeback this week in the third round of the Copa do Brasil against CRB (Clube de Regatas Brasil). Coming off the bench in the second half, Neymar played just 28 minutes. Yet, he grabbed headlines—not for his performance, but for a pointed post-match interview where he seemingly called out his teammates.

"I know that when I'm on the field, things change. I can make a difference in just 20 or 25 minutes. But everything can’t depend on me," Neymar said. “This was my first match back, but everyone knows the situation we’re in. Every player is needed.”

The comments revealed his frustration—not just with his own struggles, but with the lack of support from teammates and the overall direction of the team.

Santos’ form has been dismal. The club crashed out of the Campeonato Paulista semifinals with a heavy loss to Corinthians—a match Neymar missed due to injury. In the Brazilian league, they’ve managed just 5 points from 9 games, with only one win. They currently sit second from bottom, deep in the relegation zone. And after being knocked out of the Copa do Brasil by a second-division team, the league remains their only competition for the rest of the season.

When Neymar rejoined Santos in January on a six-month deal, he said, “I’ve come back to play, not just for the name.” But now, as that contract nears its end, questions about his future are growing louder. After the latest defeat, when asked about what comes next, Neymar simply replied, “I don’t know. Honestly, I don’t know.”

It’s clear he’s unhappy—with the injuries, the results, and perhaps the environment. Whether this is just a rough chapter or the closing scene of his storied career remains uncertain.

One question lingers: can Neymar rise again, or will his journey quietly fade away in Santos? Only time will tell.