Neymar return to Santos, which generated so much anticipation, is far from a dream comeback. Injuries, limited playing time, and now a bizarre red card could mark the end of his second stint with the club. The forward contract ends on June 30, and so far, there are no signs of a renewal.

The incident occurred this weekend during a draw against Botafogo. Neymar, 33, was sent off after receiving two yellow cards: the first for a harsh tackle, and the second for trying to score a goal with his hand. The play was clear, the referee had no doubts, and he showed the red card after penalizing the illegal action.

Due to the suspension, Neymar will miss the team next match on June 12 against Fortaleza. And with his contract situation still uncertain, this could have been his final game wearing the Santos jersey. 

A Return That Fell Short of Expectations

The Peixe idol hasn’t managed to rediscover his best form. Since his return, he has suffered two muscle injuries, had limited involvement, and shown only occasional flashes of brilliance on the field. Against Botafogo, he started actively, pressing into the opposing box and appealing for a penalty in the early minutes, but his influence gradually faded.

Santos in Trouble

Beyond the Neymar incident, the team is going through a tough time. With just two wins in 11 matches, Santos remains in the relegation zone of the Brasileirão. The team’s performance is worrying, and without their star player for the next match, uncertainty is growing.

Disapproval at Vila Belmiro

Neymar action was met with disapproval from the fans at the stadium. Even his teammates seemed surprised by the forward’s decision, as he left the field visibly upset.

The red card could mark the end of his time at the club where he began his football career. If there no contract renewal in the coming weeks, Neymar farewell may have come in the worst possible way: a direct red card amid a sporting crisis.