Coutinho Joins Neymar at Santos

Former Brazil international Philippe Coutinho has returned to football after a period of absence due to mental exhaustion, joining Santos alongside Neymar.

Neymar welcomed his former teammate from “Seleção” (the Brazilian national team), posting a video showing 34-year-old Coutinho greeting him alongside several members of Santos’ coaching staff. “Brother, we are very happy to have you here. Our team and our fans will welcome you with great enthusiasm,” Neymar wrote.

Santos has not officially announced the signing of the former Barcelona, Liverpool, Inter Milan, and Bayern Munich star, while local media reported that Coutinho still needs to undergo medical examinations.

The Brazilian player had been without a club since Vasco da Gama terminated his contract in February last year. At the time, he stated that he was “mentally exhausted.”

According to media reports, Coutinho signed a contract with Santos until the end of the season.

Coutinho and Neymar have played together for the Brazilian national team since their youth days.

Coutinho suffered from recurring injuries while playing for European clubs and returned to Brazil in 2024 to join his childhood club, Vasco da Gama, after leaving Aston Villa.