Neymar extends Santos deal as World Cup Dream Remains Firmly in Sight

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.