The roar of Brazilian football has reached American living rooms like never before, thanks to Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior’s stunning return to Santos FC — the very club where he first dazzled the world in 2009. Two high-stakes Brasileirao 2025 clashes between Santos and Botafogo FR have drawn unprecedented attention from U.S. fans, with the first match ending in a 1-0 win for Botafogo on June 1, and the October 26 rematch finishing 2-2 in a dramatic draw at Estádio Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro. For American viewers, these aren’t just games — they’re events, marked by nostalgia, star power, and a renewed passion for Brazil’s top flight.
How to Watch Santos vs Botafogo in the USA
If you’re in the U.S. and want to catch every pass, tackle, and goal, you’ve got options. Fanatiz is the go-to platform, streaming both matches live with English and Portuguese commentary. For those who prefer a free trial, Fubo offers a seven-day window to stream on Roku, Apple TV, smartphones, or via Chromecast — no credit card required upfront. Premiere and Globo TV Internacional also carry the games, though they require cable or satellite subscriptions. On October 26, Varanda Futebol Debate streamed the match live on YouTube, complete with real-time fan reactions and social media integration — a grassroots alternative that’s growing fast.
Sling TV subscribers can add the ViX package for $8.99 a month, unlocking access to Brasileirao and other Latin American leagues — but unlike Fubo, there’s no trial. And while ESPN+ and MLS Season Pass are popular for other soccer, neither carries the Brasileirao. That’s where Fanatiz’s dominance comes in: it’s the only North American service offering full-season coverage of Brazil’s top clubs — Flamengo, Palmeiras, Corinthians, and now, with Neymar back, Santos.
The Neymar Effect: Why This Matters
Let’s be clear — this isn’t just another match. Neymar’s return to Santos after a turbulent three-year stint with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia has rekindled a flame in Brazilian football that many thought had dimmed. Santos, relegated to Série B in 2024, won promotion back to the top tier with a gritty campaign — and then brought back their most famous son. The emotional weight isn’t lost on fans. At the June 1 match, U.S. viewers reported tears during the pre-game montage of Neymar’s 2009 highlights. When he finally took the field in the October 26 clash, the chat on Fanatiz’s stream exploded with messages like “This is why I watch football.”
His presence alone boosted Fanatiz’s U.S. subscriptions by 37% in the first half of 2025, according to internal company data shared with industry analysts. Even casual fans who had never watched a Brasileirao game before are now tuning in. It’s not just nostalgia — it’s legacy. Neymar, now 33, isn’t the same explosive winger from 2011. But he’s still the heartbeat of Santos, scoring once and assisting twice in his first five matches back.
The Matches: What Happened
The June 1 clash, Matchday 11, ended in a narrow 1-0 win for Botafogo. Artur, the 24-year-old midfielder, scored the only goal in the 67th minute — a curling shot from outside the box that left Santos’ keeper rooted. The result sent shockwaves through Santos’ fanbase, especially since Neymar was subbed off in the 72nd minute with a minor hamstring strain.
Fast forward to October 26, and the script flipped. Botafogo’s Joaquín Correa — the Argentine forward signed from Lazio — scored twice, first with a penalty in the 32nd minute, then a stunning bicycle kick in the 79th. But Santos responded. Souza equalized with a header in the 53rd, and Álvaro Barreal, the 20-year-old winger, completed the comeback with a solo run in the 86th minute. The final whistle sparked wild celebrations on both sides — and a social media frenzy.
According to Sofascore, Correa’s second goal had an 89% expected goal (xG) value — one of the most difficult strikes of the season. Meanwhile, Neymar played 88 minutes, created three key passes, and nearly won it in stoppage time with a free kick that rattled the crossbar.
What’s Next for Santos and U.S. Fans
Santos’ schedule is heating up. They face Flamengo on July 16, 2025 — a rivalry that could determine the title race — and then Mirassol on July 19. Both matches will be available on Fanatiz and Fubo. For U.S. viewers, the real question isn’t just where to watch — it’s whether Neymar’s return can lift Santos into the top four. After finishing 17th in 2024, they’re currently sitting in 9th place, but with 10 games left, the momentum is real.
Meanwhile, Fanatiz has quietly expanded its offerings. In addition to Brasileirao, it now streams Colombia’s Liga BetPlay, Ecuador’s LigaPro, and Paraguay’s Primera División — all in one package. That’s making it the de facto hub for Latin American football in North America.
Why This Is More Than Just Soccer
This isn’t just about streaming rights or match results. It’s about identity. Santos FC, once the club that produced Pelé and revolutionized attacking football, had faded into obscurity for American audiences. Botafogo, with its rich history and passionate fanbase, had the same problem. But Neymar’s return — a homecoming, not a transfer — has reignited a cultural moment. American fans who grew up watching him at Barcelona or PSG are now discovering the roots of his genius.
And for Brazilian-Americans? It’s a rare bridge between generations. Parents who watched Neymar as teenagers are now watching with their kids, explaining what it meant to see him in the yellow and blue of Santos — not just as a superstar, but as a son of the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I legally watch Santos vs Botafogo in the U.S.?
You can watch both matches live on Fanatiz, which holds exclusive U.S. streaming rights for the Brasileirao 2025 season. Fubo offers a 7-day free trial and carries Fanatiz’s feed. Premiere and Globo TV Internacional are available via cable/satellite providers. Avoid unofficial streams — they’re often unreliable and may be shut down mid-match.
Is Neymar playing for Santos in 2025?
Yes. After leaving Al-Hilal in early 2025, Neymar returned to Santos FC — the club where he began his professional career in 2009. He’s been a key starter in all 11 matches so far this season, scoring three goals and providing five assists, helping Santos climb from relegation danger to playoff contention.
Why is the October 26 match significant?
The 2-2 draw was a turning point: Botafogo, sitting 3rd in the table, lost ground to rivals, while Santos — with Neymar nearly scoring the winner — proved they can compete with top teams. The match drew over 1.2 million U.S. viewers across platforms, making it the most-watched Brasileirao game of the season in North America.
Can I watch past Santos vs Botafogo matches?
Yes. Fanatiz archives all matches for 30 days after broadcast. Highlights of the June 1 (1-0) and October 26 (2-2) games are also available on their YouTube channel and through the official Santos FC and Botafogo FR digital platforms. Goal.com and World Soccer Talk also publish condensed recaps with key moments.
How does Fubo’s 7-day trial work?
Fubo’s trial lets you stream Santos vs Botafogo and over 100 other channels — including ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC — for free. You need to provide payment info, but you won’t be charged unless you don’t cancel before day 8. It’s the easiest way to test if you enjoy Brasileirao without a long-term commitment.
Are there any free options to watch these matches?
There are no legal free broadcasts in the U.S. for Brasileirao. Some YouTube streams like Varanda Futebol Debate offer live coverage, but they’re unofficial and may be taken down. For reliability and quality, Fanatiz or Fubo’s trial are your best bets. Avoid pirate sites — they often carry malware and offer poor video quality.
Okay but why are we acting like Neymar’s return is some kind of divine intervention? 🙄 He’s 33, barely runs, and Santos still got relegated last year. This is just marketing with a beard.
Man, I watched that 2-2 draw with my dad. He’s 68, never cared about football until Neymar came back. We cried when he took that free kick. Not because he scored - because he *remembered* how to make us feel something. That’s worth more than any trophy.
yo so like... i just watched the highlight reel and honestly? naymar’s still got that swagger. like he didn’t even try to be cool but somehow he was. also botafogo’s boy correa? that bicycle kick? that’s not soccer, that’s a movie scene. 🤯
i think its beautiful how people from different places are connecting through this. my mom watched it with her friend from rio and they were texting all game. football brings people together even when they dont speak the same language
let me tell you something no one else will - this whole Neymar return is a psyop. Al-Hilal paid him to go back to Santos so they could inflate his market value before the 2026 World Cup. The whole ‘legacy’ narrative? Manufactured. The 37% subscription spike? Bought with Saudi cash. They’re turning football into a crypto coin.
You think Fanatiz is the only option? Think again. I’ve got a cousin in São Paulo who streams the matches via a VPN and shares the link for free. The official platforms are overpriced because they know Americans have no other choice. This isn’t about access - it’s about control. And don’t get me started on Fubo’s ‘free trial’ - they bury the auto-renewal clause in 14-point font. They want your money. Not your love for the game.
That free kick in stoppage time? The one that hit the bar? I replayed it 17 times. Not because I thought it was going in - but because it felt like time stopped. You could see the hope in his eyes. The same eyes that once carried a nation. He didn’t need to score. He just needed to remind us he still believes. And that’s enough.
It is noteworthy that the commercialization of football in North America has reached a critical inflection point with the exclusive licensing of the Brasileirao by Fanatiz. This reflects a broader trend of regional sports content being monetized through niche streaming platforms, thereby fragmenting the traditional broadcast ecosystem. The emotional resonance of Neymar’s return, while culturally significant, is economically contingent upon algorithmic visibility and subscription-based gatekeeping.
From a data perspective, Neymar’s xG contribution per 90 minutes has increased by 22% since his return compared to his Al-Hilal tenure. His positional entropy index is off the charts - he’s creating space not just for himself but for the entire attacking structure. This isn’t nostalgia - it’s tactical evolution. And Fanatiz’s U.S. growth? That’s product-market fit at scale.
i just wanted to say i really enjoyed reading all the comments here. everyone’s got their own reason for watching and that’s okay. football doesn’t have to mean the same thing to everyone
You know, in India we have this saying - 'जहाँ भाव है, वहाँ भगवान है' - where there is feeling, there is God. Neymar didn’t come back to win titles. He came back to feel again. To touch the grass of the same pitch where he first dreamed. And now, thousands of strangers across oceans feel it too. That’s not sport. That’s soul.
fake news. he’s not even playing full matches. they’re editing his clips to make him look good. i saw a clip from 2018 and he ran faster then. this is all photoshop and PR. stop lying to yourselves.
sooo… fanatiz is the only option? 😭 i just spent 20 mins trying to get fubo to work on my roku and it said ‘region locked’ like 7 times. i’m crying into my chai. also why is everyone acting like this is the first time a player came home? pelé did it. ronaldinho did it. but nooo, now it’s ‘cultural revival’ 🙄
I’ve been watching this for 3 years. I know how these things work. The ‘Neymar effect’ is just a distraction. The real story? Botafogo’s owner is secretly funding the entire Santos promotion to manipulate the league standings. They’re setting up a future takeover. You think the 2-2 draw was random? It was choreographed. Watch the 87th minute again - the ref’s whistle timing? Suspicious.
I just want to say - thank you - for writing this article. It’s so rare to see football covered with this much heart. And I really appreciate how you included the historical context. The fact that Santos produced Pelé, and now Neymar, and now… well, maybe someone else? It’s a legacy. A beautiful, messy, glorious legacy. Thank you.
bro i just watched the match on my phone while waiting for my chai to cool. no one else was watching but me. and when barreal scored? i screamed so loud my neighbor knocked on the door. worth it. 10/10 would cry again
i think its kinda funny how we all think we know what neymar is feeling but really we just see the highlights and make up stories. maybe he just wanted to be near his family. maybe he was bored. maybe he missed the smell of the stadium. we dont know. but we love pretending we do
Lmao you all are so emotional. He’s a footballer, not a poet. The real legacy? The fact that Santos is still alive. Not because of him - because the fans never stopped showing up. Even when the club was in Série B. Even when no one cared. That’s the real story. Not his free kicks.