Rafael Nogueira
Neymar Commits to Santos Until 2026
Neymar has signed a contract extension with Santos, keeping him at the club until the end of 2026. The Brazil forward is determined to secure a spot in the national team for the upcoming World Cup.
The 33-year-old returned to his boyhood club in January 2025 after stints with Barcelona and Paris St-Germain. His last appearance for Brazil was in 2023, with injuries sidelining him since.
Injury Struggles and Comeback
Neymar played through pain last season, helping Santos avoid relegation from Brazil’s top flight. He scored five goals in their final five matches before undergoing surgery on his left knee to repair a damaged meniscus.
His recovery is crucial for Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has stated that Neymar must be fully fit to earn a recall. The forward has been Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals.
“Santos is my place, I’m at home. It’s with you that I want to achieve the dreams that are still missing.”
— Neymar, in a video posted on Santos’ social media
World Cup Ambitions
Brazil will compete in Group C against Scotland, Morocco, and Haiti. The World Cup kicks off on 11 June across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Neymar’s journey back to the national team has been challenging. After a 17-month absence due to an ACL rupture in October 2023, he was set to return last year but suffered a muscle injury that forced his withdrawal.
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