Neymar has opened the door to a return to Santos, with club president Marcelo Teixeira insisting the No. 11 shirt is waiting for the Al-Hilal man.

Neymar started his career at Santos way back in 2009 and spent four years on their books before completing a big-money move to Barcelona. The Brazilian went on to become the world’s most expensive player at Paris Saint-Germain, but he struggled for form and fitness during his time at Parc des Princes and was sold to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal in the summer. Now, Santos president Teixeira claims that Neymar has been in contact about a potential homecoming at Vila Belmiro, despite the club’s recent relegation from the Brazilian top-flight.

Santos retired their No. 10 shirt last week as a tribute to late club icon Pele, and Teixeira claims that Neymar has requested that the No. 11 be kept free until the day he seals a transfer return. The Santos chief said in an interview with TV Santa Cecília: “Yesterday I received his call. He said: ‘President, you’ve already retired at 10 until you return to the first division, so retire at 11 until I return.’ I’m already happy (laughs), and I’m already hopeful.

“I’m going to put it in our group so that we can study keeping 11 as well… We hope Neymar returns in the future. Let’s retire the 10 momentarily. And at 11, we will wait until our star returns.”

Neymar has only made three Saudi Pro League appearances to date for Al-Hilal and is not expected to feature for the club again this season. The 31-year-old suffered an ACL injury during Brazil’s World Cup qualifying defeat to Uruguay in October and subsequently underwent surgery. The Selecao are hoping that Neymar will return in time for the Copa America in the United States next summer.

Santos were relegated for the first time in their 111-year history after a 2-1 home defeat to Fortaleza on December 7. A pitch invasion took place after the full-time whistle, and chaos later erupted in the city as fans were seen setting fire to cars in the streets.

The Brazilian Serie A paid tribute to Pele in the 10th minute of each fixture in the 2023 season, and Teixeira has stressed the importance of continuing to honour his memory in the second tier. “This year’s Brazilian league was named after King Pelé,” he said. “We will continue on this mission. We will be back in the top division, but until then, we won’t wear our most glorious shirt.”

Neymar scored 72 goals in 139 games for Santos between 2009 and 2013, winning six trophies, including the Copa Libertadores. It remains to be seen whether the mercurial attacker will retrace his steps in the near future, but he is under contract at Al-Hilal until 2025 and is reportedly earning £177 million in annual wages in the Middle East.