For supporters of Santos FC, it is a much-anticipated day as Neymar begins a new chapter with the team. This Wednesday at 21:35 (local time), the superstar, who is celebrating his 33rd birthday, will return to the pitch to play Botafogo-SP in the seventh round of the Paulista Championship at the legendary Vila Belmiro.

Despite the fact that Neymar could start the game, he is anticipated to play in the second half if he comes off the bench.

After leaving his contract with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Neymar returned to Santos with the intention of quickly rejoining the Brazilian national team. He is concentrating on getting back to his peak physical form and enjoying football. That voyage is thought to have started with this Wednesday’s match, which also happens to be his birthday.

Coach Dorival Júnior is likely to call up Neymar if he is playing at his best because the team has World Cup Qualifiers against Argentina and Colombia at the end of March. This time frame also comes before the Brazilian Championship starts.

Neymar will have the remaining state league games to play in until then, and depending on Santos’ success, he may even make it to the knockout stages. If the squad makes it to the finals, he might participate in all ten of the Paulista’s final games.

Given that head coach Pedro Caixinha is temporarily banned and recuperating from eye surgery, Santos has been impressed by the forward’s physical condition during his first training days. He appears “slim” and has exercised without limitations under the guidance of assistant coach Pedro Malta.

Neymar is still nimble and able to do every maneuver needed for his position on the field. It is anticipated that he will play up to 35 minutes this Wednesday, progressively increasing his match fitness over the upcoming weeks.

Given his brief contract, which expires on June 30, Neymar is keen to get back to playing as soon as possible. This contract enables him to play in 24 games in several domestic leagues, such as the Copa do Brazil, the State League, and the Brasileirão.

With around 73,000 members and all tickets sold out for this game, Santos is preparing a lot of events to celebrate their idol’s comeback wearing the number 10 shirt, so Wednesday’s event is sure to be a joyous occasion.

One of these projects is a collaboration with Sem Parar. The club will cover the tolls for fans traveling to Santista Bay.

After this game, Santos will go to Neo Química Arena for two games against Novorizontino this weekend and Corinthians on the 12th.