In a move that has dashed the hopes of many fans, Neymar has signed a new contract with Santos, ensuring he will remain at the Brazilian club until at least the end of 2026. This decision ends speculation linking him with a move to Inter Miami, where he could have potentially reunited with his former Barcelona teammate, Lionel Messi.
The 33-year-old Brazilian superstar, who returned to his boyhood club in January 2025, has committed his future to Santos, a decision that will see him through the 2026 World Cup and beyond. According to Globo Esporte, the deal ensures Neymar will stay at Vila Belmiro until December 31, 2026.
Santos announced Neymar's contract extension with a cryptic video on social media, showing an aerial view of their Vila Belmiro stadium with the date December 31, 2026. The message was clear: the idol is staying home.
Neymar's first season back at Santos was marked by interruptions due to injuries, but he played a crucial role in the team's late-season surge. He scored four goals in the final three matches, helping Santos avoid relegation from Brazil's top league. Following the season's conclusion, Neymar underwent an operation to repair a damaged meniscus in his left knee. Santos confirmed that the surgery, performed by Brazil's national team doctor, was successful. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation.
Neymar's decision to stay with Santos provides him with stability and a familiar environment as he aims to regain his form and fitness. After a frustrating period at Al-Hilal, where injuries hampered his progress, Santos offers him a protective and competitive setting to rediscover his rhythm and confidence. The club plans to carefully manage his workload across various competitions, including the Brasileirão, Copa do Brasil, Copa Sudamericana, and Campeonato Paulista, keeping his physical condition in mind.
Despite the injury setbacks, Neymar remains a key figure for both Santos and the Brazilian national team. He is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, surpassing Pelé. However, he has not played for the national team since October 2023, when he suffered a knee injury against Uruguay. While his participation in the 2026 World Cup remains uncertain, Neymar's focus is on recovery and contributing to Santos.
Neymar began his professional career with Santos in 2009. He won the Copa Libertadores in 2011, scoring in the final. In 2013, he joined Barcelona and formed a formidable attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. He later moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 before returning to Santos in 2025.
Off the field, Neymar recently filed a lawsuit in response to accusations of alcoholism, late-night gaming, and unprofessional behavior that allegedly disrupted Santos' training schedule.
