Neymar has extended his stay with Santos as he intensifies his push for a return to the Brazil national team and a place at this summer’s World Cup, underlining his determination to finish his international career on a high.

The 33-year-old forward, who rejoined his boyhood club in January 2025, has not featured for five-time world champions Brazil since 2023, largely due to a prolonged battle with injuries. However, his renewed commitment to Santos signals a clear focus on fitness, form and one final run on the global stage.

Despite managing persistent pain for much of last season, Neymar played a decisive role in keeping Santos in Brazil’s top flight. His influence peaked when it mattered most, scoring five goals in the club’s final five matches to steer them away from relegation and reaffirm his enduring quality.

Following the season, the former Barcelona and Paris St-Germain star underwent surgery on his left knee to repair a damaged meniscus. The procedure was aimed at restoring full fitness and strengthening his case for inclusion in the plans of Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the World Cup.

Confirming his contract extension in a video shared on Santos’ social media platforms, Neymar spoke emotionally about his bond with the club. “Santos is my place, I’m at home,” he said, addressing supporters directly. “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 the Seleção will depend on his physical condition. Speaking in October, the Italian coach stressed that Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, who has netted 79 times for his country, must be fully fit to earn a recall.

Neymar’s road back has been challenging. He spent a full year sidelined after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in October 2023 and later saw a potential international comeback delayed again by a muscle injury, forcing him to withdraw from the squad after a 17-month absence.

Nevertheless, his resilience and recent progress have kept hope alive. With Brazil set to face Scotland, Morocco and Haiti in Group C at the World Cup, which kicks off on 11 June across Canada, Mexico and the United States, Neymar’s extended stay at Santos represents both a personal statement and a calculated step towards one last World Cup appearance.

Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior as their new head coach, signalling a fresh chapter for the club as they place long-term trust in one of England’s most highly regarded young coaches.

The 41-year-old has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract at Stamford Bridge, with the option of a further season, following the departure of Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day. The length of the deal underlines Chelsea’s commitment to continuity and development as they look to build sustained success both domestically and in Europe.

Rosenior will get his first glimpse of his new side on Wednesday evening when Chelsea face Fulham at Craven Cottage in the Premier League. While he will watch that fixture from the stands, he is set to officially begin work on Thursday, overseeing his first training session ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup third-round clash with Charlton Athletic, which will mark his first match in charge.

Speaking after his appointment was confirmed, Rosenior expressed deep pride and gratitude at being handed one of the most prestigious roles in English football.

“I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed head coach of Chelsea Football Club,” he said. “To be entrusted with this role means the world to me and I want to thank all involved for the opportunity and faith in undertaking this job. I will give everything to bring the success this club deserves.”

Chelsea’s interim head coach, Calum McFarlane, revealed he had already spoken briefly with Rosenior following the agreement and spoke warmly about his incoming successor.

“I wouldn’t be giving him any advice because he is a really accomplished coach,” McFarlane said. “I am here to support him but I won’t be giving him any advice.”

Earlier on Tuesday, Rosenior had all but confirmed the move during his final press conference as Strasbourg manager, stating that he had “agreed verbally” to take over at Chelsea. He described the opportunity as one he simply could not refuse.

“I cannot turn down this opportunity to join an incredible club, an incredible squad who are Club World Cup champions,” he said, highlighting both the scale of the challenge and the ambition of the group he is inheriting.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles continued their impressive AFCON 2025 campaign by sealing a convincing 4–0 victory over Mozambique to secure a place in the quarter-finals, delivering a dominant Round of 16 performance in Fès.

Building on a flawless group-stage run that saw them win all three matches to finish top of Group C, the Super Eagles approached the knockout tie with confidence and intensity. From the opening exchanges, Nigeria asserted control, dictating the tempo and pinning Mozambique back with quick transitions and relentless attacking movement. Mozambique, appearing in the Round of 16 for the first time after qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams from Group F, found it difficult to match Nigeria’s speed, organisation and technical quality.

The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Ademola Lookman capitalised on Nigeria’s early pressure, calmly finishing after a well-weighted assist from Akor Adams. The goal further lifted the Eagles, who continued to push forward with purpose. Just five minutes later, Victor Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s advantage, reacting sharply in the box to underline his importance to the team’s attacking threat.

Nigeria carried their momentum into the second half, and within two minutes of the restart, Lookman turned provider again. His incisive pass found Osimhen, who made no mistake in converting to give the Super Eagles a commanding 3–0 lead by the 47th minute. With the match firmly under control, Nigeria maintained their structure while still posing a constant danger going forward.

Akor Adams capped off an excellent all-round display by completing the scoring in the 75th minute, finishing clinically to register Nigeria’s fourth goal and put the result beyond any doubt. By that stage, the Super Eagles had effectively turned the contest into a showcase of their attacking depth and tactical discipline.

Wilfred Ndidi led by example in midfield, anchoring the side alongside Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, while Stanley Nwabali returned between the posts and was rarely troubled. The defensive unit of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi remained composed throughout, limiting Mozambique to speculative efforts and ensuring Nwabali was largely untested.

Head coach Éric Chelle used the second half to manage the game and rotate his squad, introducing Paul Onuachu and Samuel Chukwueze for Akor Adams and Lookman. Further changes saw Tom Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika replace Onyeka and Ndidi, while Moses Simon came on for Osimhen as Nigeria preserved energy for the challenges ahead.

By the 80th minute, Nigeria had recorded eight shots on target, underlining their attacking dominance, while Mozambique had yet to register a meaningful attempt on goal.

The emphatic victory keeps Nigeria’s momentum firmly intact as they continue their pursuit of a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title. The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to the quarter-finals, where they are set to face the winners of the clash between Algeria and Congo DR, with confidence high and performances steadily peaking at the right time.