Neymar’s Return Ignites U.S. Interest in Santos vs Botafogo Brasileirao Clash

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.