Philippe Coutinho has reunited with Neymar after signing a contract with Santos through to the end of the season.
The former Barcelona and Liverpool playmaker has been without a club since February, having left boyhood club Vasco da Gama due to “mental exhaustion”.
But Coutinho has now joined Santos on a free deal, linking up with childhood friend Neymar, who he played alongside at Brazil, including at the 2018 World Cup.
The 34-year-old had initially joined Vasco on loan from Aston Villa in 2024, before eventually joining them in a permanent deal the following year.
PHILIPPE COUTINHO É DO SANTOS!
O Santos Futebol Clube acertou a contratação de Philippe Coutinho para a sequência da temporada. Com reconhecida qualidade técnica e visão de jogo, além de carreira vencedora na Europa e na Seleção Brasileira, o meia chega ao Peixe com… pic.twitter.com/Jd77ZjiH8G
— Santos FC (@SantosFC) September 14, 2026
Coutinho made 81 appearances in total for Vasco, with 48 of those coming in Serie A, while he netted 17 goals.
In a video posted before Coutinho’s move was made official by Santos, Neymar welcomed Coutinho to the club, saying: “Brother, we are so happy you’re here.
“Our squad and our fans will embrace you so you can be happy. Welcome to Santos.”
