Neymar’s footballing journey has taken him from Santos to Barcelona, PSG, and beyond, but a return to his boyhood club Santos has fans buzzing with excitement. The Brazilian superstar, who first rose to fame dazzling defenders in Santos’ famous white kit, is closing his career where it all began.
For footballers, returning to their roots is often more than just a move—it’s a tribute to their legacy. Neymar isn’t the first superstar to go back to his boyhood club, and he certainly won’t be the last. Here’s a look at ten other legendary players who made emotional returns to the clubs where their journeys started.
Top 10 Players Who Have Returned To Their Boyhood Clubs
1. Thierry Henry – Arsenal (2012 Loan Return)
After leaving Arsenal for Barcelona in 2007, Henry cemented his status as a club legend. In 2012, he made an emotional return to North London on a short-term loan from the New York Red Bulls, scoring a dramatic winner against Leeds United in the FA Cup.
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2. Wayne Rooney – Everton (2017-18)
Wayne Rooney burst onto the scene at Everton as a fearless teenager, earning a big move to Manchester United in 2004. After winning multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League, he returned to Goodison Park in 2017. Wazza marked his return in emphatic style, scoring a stunning long-range goal from inside his own half. He was also Everton’s top scorer that season.
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3. Kaka – AC Milan (2013-14)
Kaka won the Ballon d’Or in 2007 with AC Milan before moving to Real Madrid in 2009. While his Madrid stint was inconsistent, his return to Milan in 2013 rekindled fans’ love for the Brazilian maestro.
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4. Carlos Tevez – Boca Juniors (2015-2017, 2018-2021)
Carlos Tevez began his career at Boca Juniors, but after a globe-trotting career that included Manchester United, Manchester City, and Juventus, he returned home not once, but twice. He help Boca win multiple league titles and became a fan favourite for his passion and leadership.
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5. Gianluigi Buffon – Parma (2021-2023)
After two decades at Juventus, Buffon surprised the football world by returning to Parma, the club where his career began in the 90s. At 43, Buffon still played at a high level and completed a true fairy tale ending for one of football’s greatest goalkeepers.
6. Fernando Torres – Atlético Madrid (2015-2018)
After rising through Atlético Madrid’s youth ranks and becoming a club icon, Torres left for Liverpool in 2007. He returned to Atlético in 2015, bringing experience and leadership. El Nino scored crucial goals for his boyhood club and helped Atlético win the 2017-18 Europa League.
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7. Arjen Robben – Groningen (2020-21)
Arjen Robben began his professional career at FC Groningen before moving on to PSV, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. After retiring in 2019, he made a stunning comeback in 2020 to play one final season for his boyhood club. He came out of retirement to help his childhood club and showed flashes of his legendary dribbling and finishing ability. It was a fitting tribute to the club where it all started.
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8. Robin van Persie – Feyenoord (2018-19)
Robin van Persie began his career at Feyenoord before making a name for himself at Arsenal and Manchester United. He returned in 2018 to close his career at his boyhood club. He helped Feyenoord win the KNVB Cup in 2018 still showcasing his elite finishing ability.
9. Sergio Ramos – Sevilla (2023-Present)
After a legendary spell at Real Madrid, Ramos made a dramatic return to his boyhood club Sevilla in 2023. He returned after 18 years away and instantly brought leadership and experience to Sevilla’s defence, proving his deep connection to the club where it all began.
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10. Andriy Shevchenko – Dynamo Kyiv (2009-2012)
After conquering Europe with AC Milan and Chelsea, Shevchenko returned to Dynamo Kyiv, the club where he first made a name for himself. A true legend giving back to his roots ending his career at the club that shaped him.
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A return to a boyhood club is always an emotional moment for both the player and the fans. Neymar reuniting with Santos would be a fairy tale ending to a career that started in Brazil before reaching the heights of European football. If history has shown us anything, it’s that coming home is always special.
Would you like to see Neymar back at Santos? Let us know and explore our vintage football shirts collection to relive the magic of these legendary players!
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