Neymar has agreed to a contract extension with Santos that will see him stay at the Brazilian club until the end of 2026, as the player is still keen on being called up to the national team for the next World Cup.
After returning to his first club in January 2025, the 33-year-old forward has been influential in his club’s battle against relegation in the Brazilian Serie A.
Neymar ended the season banging in five goals in his last five games, leading the team away from the drop.“Santos have always been my place, it is where I am at home,” said Neymar in a video posted on the club’s social networks. “This is where I want to accomplish the dreams that are still missing,” he said to the fans.
Notwithstanding his effectiveness on the field, Neymar’s saga has been plagued by injuries. He had an arthroscopic knee surgery last month, which was successful, and is now rehabbing to reach full recovery and get back to the pitch immediately.
Neymar is Brazil’s highest goal scorer with 79 goals, and has not been called up for the Seleção since 2023. Head Coach Carlo Ancelotti stated that Neymar needs to show that he is in good physical condition before he can be in contention to make the squad.
The 33-year-old will be looking to get in shape as soon as possible to be able to make his dream of winning a World Cup trophy come alive.
The World Cup has been confirmed to be held in North America from June to July, and Brazil will play against Scotland, Morocco, and Haiti in the group stage.
