Neymar’s market value suffers major decline after his return to Santos: How much is he worth now?
Neymar’s return to Santos FC in early 2025 has coincided with a dramatic drop in his market value. Once the world’s most expensive player after his €222 million transfer from Barcelona to PSG in 2017, Neymar’s valuation has now plummeted. According to Transfermarkt, his current estimated worth stands at just €15 million, a stark contrast to his peak years. This decline highlights the challenges he has faced in recent seasons, including injuries, inconsistent performances, and his move to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal.
Several factors have contributed to this steep drop in Neymar’s valuation. At 32 years old, he is entering the later stages of his career, a period when players typically see their market value decline. Moreover, his stint at Al-Hilal was marred by injuries, limiting him to just a handful of appearances before he mutually agreed to terminate his contract. The lack of competitive game time, coupled with persistent fitness issues, has raised doubts about his ability to perform at the highest level, making clubs hesitant to invest heavily in him.
By returning to Santos, Neymar is hoping to regain his form and prove that he still has plenty to offer. His six-month contract with the Brazilian club provides him with an opportunity to rebuild his fitness, confidence, and reputation before making a potential return to European football. If he can stay injury-free and perform consistently, there is a chance his market value could rise again, especially with clubs always on the lookout for experienced and technically gifted players.
Despite his declining market worth, Neymar’s global appeal and commercial value remain strong. He is still one of the most recognized figures in football, with lucrative sponsorship deals and a massive fan following. However, from a purely sporting perspective, clubs will be closely monitoring his performances at Santos to assess whether he can still be a key player in elite football. If he fails to impress, his market value may continue to decline, further limiting his options in the future.
In summary, Neymar’s market value has suffered a major decline, dropping to €15 million after his return to Santos. Age, injuries, and his time in Saudi Arabia have all played a role in this downfall. However, his move back to Brazil could be a stepping stone for a potential resurgence. Whether he can revive his career and regain his status as a top player remains to be seen, but for now, his value reflects the uncertainty surrounding his future in professional football.