SAO PAULO — Neymar has announced his intention to sign what is anticipated to be a short-term deal with his childhood club, Santos, in a bid to revive his career as he gears up for the 2026 World Cup.

The 32-year-old Brazilian striker confirmed his return to the Sao Paulo club on Thursday, with local reports stating that the contract will run until June 30.

“Only Santos can provide me with the affection I need to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in the coming years. You all, regardless of whom you support, understand what I mean,” Neymar stated on his social media platforms. “I hope you’ll continue to support me during this new chapter of my life.”

In response to Neymar’s announcement, Santos shared a message on its social media, saying: “Your home awaits. Your people await.” Neymar had left Santos nearly 12 years ago to join Barcelona.

His return comes on the heels of the termination of his contract with the Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, where Neymar had recently returned from an ACL injury sustained while on duty with Brazil. During his brief spell at Al-Hilal, he featured in only seven matches, netting just once.

The striker faced considerable scrutiny from Paris Saint-Germain fans prior to his departure, being criticized for perceived negligence regarding his fitness. Neymar’s 2017 exit from Barcelona also disappointed many supporters who had anticipated that he would help propel Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez to more titles.

A Santos official indicated, on the condition of anonymity, that Neymar is scheduled to land at Sao Paulo’s international airport at 9 a.m. on Friday, after which he will take a helicopter to the club’s Vila Belmiro Stadium. Following the signing of his contract, there will be a public reintroduction to fans later in the day.

Neymar has previously played 225 matches for Santos, scoring 138 goals, which contributed significantly to the club’s six titles. Santos was relegated in 2023 but made a return to Brazil’s top division last year.

In 2017, Neymar set the record for the most expensive transfer in football history when he moved from Barcelona to PSG for 222 million euros (around $262 million at the time). Recently, he played his last match in November, with Al-Hilal’s coach Jorge Jesus expressing doubts about his fitness level.

After departing from the Saudi Arabian league, Neymar played just seven games over 17 months following his lucrative move to the affluent kingdom. His contract was expected to expire after this year’s FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13.

Neymar joined the Saudi club from PSG in August 2023 for a fee of 90 million euros ($94 million), and reports suggested his salary was among the highest in global soccer.

As Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer, with 79 goals in 125 appearances, Neymar has emphasized his desire to gain more playing time in preparation for next year’s World Cup in North America. This may serve as his final opportunity to secure a World Cup victory.