Neymar has signed a new contract with Brazilian club Santos, extending his stay until the end of 2025 as he looks to revive his career ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 33-year-old forward, who began his professional journey at Santos, said the decision to stay was deeply personal.
“I made a decision and I followed my heart. Santos is not just my team, it’s my home, my roots, my history, and my life,” Neymar said in a statement released by the club on Tuesday.
After leaving Santos for Barcelona in 2013 and later playing for Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar endured an injury-plagued stint at Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, where he featured in only seven matches over 17 months. He returned to Santos in January on a short-term deal that was set to expire on June 30.
Despite persistent injury issues, Neymar has made 12 appearances for Santos in all competitions, scoring three goals. His last outing in the Brazilian top flight ended controversially, as he was sent off after scoring with his hand against Botafogo.
Santos, meanwhile, are struggling in the domestic league, hovering just above the relegation zone on goal difference after 12 matches.
Off the pitch, Neymar has faced criticism since his return to Brazil, particularly for attending the Rio Carnival and participating in the entertainment-driven Kings League seven-a-side tournament while recovering from injury.
A mainstay of the national team for over a decade, Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals—two more than the legendary Pelé. However, his World Cup ambitions have so far ended in frustration, with injuries and underwhelming campaigns hampering Brazil’s title hopes.
In March, he was recalled for World Cup qualifiers but withdrew due to a thigh injury. New Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti later omitted him from the squad announced in May, citing fitness concerns.
“I selected players who are in good shape. Neymar has just returned from injury. Everyone knows he’s a very important player and we’re obviously counting on him,” Ancelotti said.
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Neymar’s extended stay at Santos could offer the continuity he needs to find form and fitness in time to chase football’s most coveted prize once more.
