Philippe Coutinho has completed a high-profile move to Santos, reuniting with former Brazil national team partner and childhood friend Neymar. The pair previously spearheaded the Seleção attack together at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Neymar himself preempted the club’s official announcement by revealing Coutinho’s signing, adding another elite name to an evolving attack that already features winger Everton Cebolinha.
Neymar returned to Santos in January 2025 under a contract that runs through December 31, 2026. His homecoming followed a turbulent two-year spell at Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal that was severely curtailed by injuries after he departed Paris Saint-Germain in 2023. Having previously starred for Barcelona and PSG, the 34-year-old rejoined a Santos side that was fighting deep in a domestic relegation battle. Coutinho’s arrival highlights the club’s ambitious efforts to reshape its squad and climb back up the table.
On the field, Neymar recently scored for Santos during a 1-1 Copa Sudamericana draw against Deportivo Recoleta in Paraguay. However, that performance arrived alongside off-field tension following a training ground disagreement with 18-year-old teammate Robinho Jr., the son of former Brazil international Robinho. Neymar issued a public apology for overreacting during the incident. At the same time, physical setbacks continue to cloud his schedule. Sidelined since sustaining a right calf injury on May 17, the forward recently missed group training to undergo specialized tests at a clinic, keeping his international status uncertain under Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti. Neymar made his World Cup debut on home soil in 2014 and is aiming to participate in his fourth World Cup tournament.
Speculation regarding Neymar’s long-term future also extends to North America. Major League Soccer side FC Cincinnati has expressed active interest in signing the forward once his contract at Santos concludes, provided he avoids further serious injury. Any potential move to MLS would take place after the 2026 World Cup finals. FC Cincinnati finished second in the MLS Eastern Conference in 2025 and currently sits sixth in the standings. Meanwhile, Neymar has maintained close personal ties with former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi, who is enjoying strong success in MLS with Inter Miami after capturing the 2025 MLS Cup, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, and the 2023 Leagues Cup. Santos and Neymar recently dispatched signed No. 10 shirts to Messi and his sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.
With Coutinho now officially in the fold, Santos secures a proven creative dynamic between two players whose partnership spans decades. Coutinho’s presence alongside Cebolinha offers immediate tactical reinforcement and creative balance as Santos manages its domestic schedule and continental commitments in the Copa Sudamericana while Neymar works through his rehabilitation.
