Neymar's long-awaited return to Santos after 12 years was the main event of Matchday 1 in the Campeonato Paulista. However, what was expected to be a memorable night for the Brazilian star took an unexpected turn when, on his first touch of the ball, he took a direct hit to the groin from an opponent’s clearance. The hilarious moment quickly went viral on social media.

A Debut Full of Emotions

Neymar entered the match at the start of the second half, replacing Gabriel Bontempo, and immediately looked to make an impact in Santos' clash against Botafogo. The former Barcelona and PSG player was active in the attack, recording five shots and playing a key role in the team's offensive buildup.

However, the most talked-about moment came just seconds into his return, when an opponent's clearance hit him directly in a sensitive area. The incident sparked laughter among fans and even caught Neymar himself off guard.

The Return of a Legend

Despite the unfortunate but comical moment, the Vila Belmiro erupted in deafening applause to welcome back its biggest idol. Neymar, who rose through the Santos academy and shined before making the leap to European football, is back in a different stage of his career. His goal is clear: regain his best form after injuries have kept him away from the spotlight in recent years.