Neymar extends contract with Santos until 2026
Neymar has committed his future to Santos by signing a contract extension that will keep him at the Brazilian club through 2026, reports BritPanorama.
The forward announced the news himself on Tuesday via the team’s social media platforms. Speaking about his emotional journey back to where his career began, the 33-year-old expressed his gratitude to fans for their support during a challenging year.
“2025 was a special and challenging year for me — a time of joy and of overcoming obstacles that I was only able to face thanks to your love,” he said. Neymar emphasized his connection to Santos, declaring, “Here I am at home, safe and happy. And it is with you that I want to achieve the rest of my dreams.”
Despite facing persistent injury problems since returning to his childhood club in January 2025, Neymar played a vital role in helping Santos maintain their position in the top division of Brazilian football. His contributions were particularly crucial at the end of the campaign, scoring five goals in the final five matches, which proved essential for the club’s survival.
Throughout the season, Neymar netted 11 goals in 34 appearances, showcasing his enduring quality despite discomfort on the pitch. In December 2024, he underwent successful surgery on his left knee to repair a damaged meniscus, part of his efforts to return to full fitness for Brazil’s national team ahead of the World Cup.
National team manager Carlo Ancelotti has noted that Neymar remains under consideration for selection for the tournament, contingent on his fitness levels. Absent from international duty since an injury in October 2023, he has been training to be part of Brazil’s squad as they prepare for the World Cup in 2026.
Brazil will compete in Group C at the tournament, facing Scotland, Morocco, and Haiti. Neymar, who holds Brazil’s record of 79 international goals, has only been surpassed in appearances by Cafu, with 142 caps.
The Seleção is set to kick off their campaign against Morocco at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on June 13, 2026, followed by matches against Haiti and Scotland.
As Neymar charts a new chapter with Santos, all eyes will be on his progress towards recovering for a potential return to the international stage, a reminder of how the journey of a celebrated talent continues amidst both triumph and adversity.
