Neymar Extends Contract with Santos as He Aims for World Cup Return
Brazilian forward Neymar has extended his contract with Santos until the end of 2026 as he aims for a call-up to the national team for the World Cup.
The 33-year-old player, who returned to his childhood club in January 2025, has not represented Brazil, the five-time World Cup champions, since 2023 due to ongoing injury issues.
Neymar, a former star at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, played through pain last season to help Santos avoid relegation from Brazil's top division, scoring five goals in the final five matches.
Following the season, he underwent surgery on his left knee to repair a damaged meniscus, enhancing his chances of being selected by Brazil's coach Carlo Ancelotti this summer.
In a video posted on the club's social media, Neymar expressed his commitment, stating, "Santos is my place, I'm at home." He added, "It's with you that I want to achieve the dreams that are still missing."
Coach Ancelotti mentioned in October that Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals, must be fully fit to be considered for a recall.
Neymar had previously spent 12 months sidelined after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in October 2023. He was set to return to the national team last year after a 17-month absence but had to withdraw due to a muscle injury.
As the World Cup approaches, Brazil will compete in Group C against Scotland, Morocco, and Haiti, with the tournament commencing on June 11 across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.