Sports
Neymar extends Santos contract in bid to play at 2026 World Cup
Neymar has committed his future to Santos by signing a contract extension that will keep him at the club until the end of 2026, as he continues his push to return to the Brazil national team ahead of the World Cup.
The 33-year-old returned to his boyhood club in January 2025 and is aiming to rebuild his fitness and form after a prolonged spell disrupted by injury.
The forward has not featured for Brazil since 2023, with recurring fitness issues halting his international involvement despite his status as the country’s all-time leading scorer.
Nevertheless, Neymar played a key role for Santos last season, competing through pain as the club battled to retain their place in Brazil’s top division.
His contribution proved decisive, scoring five goals in the final five matches of the campaign to help steer Santos clear of relegation.
Following the end of the season, Neymar underwent surgery on his left knee to repair a damaged meniscus, a move designed to improve his chances of forcing his way back into the national setup under head coach Carlo Ancelotti later this year.
His determination to succeed with Santos again was underlined in a message shared through the club’s social media channels.
“Santos is my place, I’m at home,” Neymar said in a video released by the club.
He added: “It’s with you that I want to achieve the dreams that are still missing.”
Ancelotti has previously made it clear that Neymar’s return to international football will depend on his physical condition.
Speaking in October, the Brazil coach said the forward would need to be fully fit to earn a recall. Neymar’s injury problems have been significant, including a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament suffered in October 2023 that sidelined him for a year.
Although he was expected to return to the Brazil squad last year after a 17-month absence, another muscle injury forced him to withdraw before making an appearance.
With the World Cup set to begin on 11 June across Canada, Mexico and the United States, Neymar will be hoping his extended stay at Santos provides the platform he needs to make a final return to the international stage.
Brazil have been drawn in Group C alongside Scotland, Morocco and Haiti, and Neymar’s focus now turns to proving his fitness and form in time to be part of Ancelotti’s plans for the tournament.
