Neymar started the 2013 Campeonato Paulista scoring twice in the first match, which ended a 3–1 win over São Bernardo on 19 January 2013.^[57] Four days later on 23 January 2013, Neymar scored again against Botafogo in a 3–0 win.^[58] On 3 February 2013, in the Paulista fixture against São Paulo, where Santos won 3–1, with Neymar scoring and making two assists.^[59] on 18 March 2013, Neymar told that he had a "dream of playing in Europe, for a big club like Barcelona, Real Madrid andChelsea." But he went on to say: "There's no point in speculating when I'll leave Santos. I'll leave when I want to."^[60]

Neymar scored all four goals, had another disallowed and hit the post as Santos beat União Barbarense 4–0 in the Paulista on 13 April.^[61] On 25 April 2013, his agent and father revealed that Neymar intended to leave for Europe before the 2014 FIFA World Cup.^[62] Ahead of his last match for Santos, on 26 May againstFlamengo, Neymar was in tears during the national anthem.^[