Former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar Neymar has been linked with a sensational return to Europe.
The Santos forward has reportedly held talks with Ligue 1 side Marseille, who share a bitter rivalry with PSG.
Marseille finished second in Ligue 1 last season, trailing winners PSG by 19 points. If the transfer to Marseille pans out, Neymar will be able to compete in the Champions League next season.
One of the most popular footballers on the planet, Neymar, has had a rough couple of years. In the summer of 2023, the 2014/15 Treble winner joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal. Neymar secured one of the most lucrative contracts in football history, but he could not live up to expectations.
Plagued by injuries, Neymar only played seven games for Al-Hilal, scoring just once, before his contract was terminated. The Brazil captain earned a whopping £129.90 million (€150 million) in wages despite playing just two games for Al-Hilal in 2024.
Neymar Transfer News: Brazilian Could Return to Europe With Marseille
In January 2025, Neymar moved to his boyhood club Santos, but his struggles persist. The Peixe are sitting in 17th place in the Brasileirao with 15 points. They crashed out of the Copa do Brasil after losing to second-division Regatas. And they lost the Paulista semifinals to Corinthians, with Neymar watching on from the bench.
Battling with niggling injuries, Neymar has only played 16 games for Santos, scoring four goals and providing three assists. The 33-year-old has also had a fallout with Santos fans, which makes the Marseille switch all the more likely.
🔙 El regreso de Neymar a Santos no está saliendo como deseaban ambas partes: el Peixe está en zona de descenso y el crack brasileño es criticado por los hinchas debido a su rendimiento dentro de la cancha y por algunas acciones fuera de ella. En busca de apaciguar la situación,… pic.twitter.com/c1A8zXqtRn
— TyC Sports (@TyCSports) July 28, 2025
According to TyC Sports, Neymar is open to a return to Europe to enter the 2026 World Cup in the best possible shape. Marseille are the leading contenders to secure his services, and talks are reportedly ongoing between the two parties.
The news of Neymar’s dalliances with Marseille will not sit well with PSG. He spent six years in the French capital, scoring 118 goals in 173 games.
Santos Ultras Demand Neymar to Act Like an Idol
Following Santos’ defeat to Internacional de Porto Alegre, a fan reportedly demanded Neymar take more responsibility. The superstar, meanwhile, hit back, saying the fan insulted his family.
The fallout between Neymar and the Santos fan had already put strain on his relationship with the club. Now, a spokesperson of Santos’ fan club, Peixe Ultras, has explained why fans are unhappy with their “idol.”
The statement read:
“We had a regrettable episode that shows the lack of awareness of some people who represent Santos. First, we address our idol Neymar. Idol, yes. You are the idol, and we ask you to act like one. You said you felt offended when a fan shouted that you and your family are mercenaries, and you replied that you could be making much more money elsewhere, something we know.
14 years ago, a 19-year-old Neymar announced himself to the world with 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 Puskás award winner 🤩
(via @SantosFC)pic.twitter.com/lsS1ADYeOM
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 27, 2025
“Imagine a tired supporter, with years of accumulated frustration, watching his apathetic team lose at home again and sink into the relegation zone, getting the chance to look into the eyes of his idol and beg him to make this unstable squad play. Wouldn’t you do the same?”
Santos return to league action with a clash against Juventude on Monday, August 4. Football betting sites are backing 17th-ranked Santos to get the win over the 19th-placed side. It will be interesting to see if the ex-PSG star can get on the scoresheet.
