Brazilian star Neymar has extended his contract with Santos until the end of 2026 in a bid to secure a place in the national squad for the upcoming World Cup. The 33-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club in January 2025, has not played for Brazil since 2023 due to a combination of injuries and rehabilitation setbacks, but he is determined to put himself in contention for coach Carlo Ancelotti’s plans this summer.
Neymar’s return to Santos marked a homecoming for the forward who first made his name in professional football at the club. His impact was immediate, as he helped the side stave off relegation from Brazil’s top flight last season, scoring five goals in the final five matches despite playing through significant pain. His performances highlighted not only his enduring quality but also his commitment to regaining full fitness ahead of the World Cup.
After the season ended, Neymar underwent surgery on his left knee to repair a damaged meniscus, an operation seen as crucial to boosting his chances of a national team recall. Santos confirmed that the new contract would keep Neymar at the club through the end of 2026, offering the forward stability as he aims to return to the international stage.
“Santos is my place, I’m at home,” Neymar said in a video posted on the club’s official social media channels. “It’s with you that I want to achieve the dreams that are still missing.” His words underline his emotional connection to the club and his motivation to perform at the highest level in pursuit of another World Cup appearance.
Neymar’s road back to the Brazilian national team has been interrupted several times by injuries. He spent 12 months out after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in October 2023, an injury that required extensive rehabilitation. He was due to return to the national team in 2024 after a 17-month absence but had to withdraw from the squad at the last moment due to a muscle injury.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has emphasized that Neymar must be fully fit to earn selection for the World Cup. With 79 goals, Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, and only Cafu, with 142 caps, has represented the Selecao more times than the 128 appearances Neymar has made. Ancelotti’s message has been clear: Neymar’s participation will depend on his physical readiness and ability to contribute effectively to the team.
The World Cup begins on 11 June, with Brazil drawn in Group C alongside Scotland, Morocco, and Haiti. Neymar’s presence could be decisive for the five-time world champions, who will be relying on their experienced forward to lead their attacking play. His extension at Santos is seen as a strategic move, allowing him to play regularly, regain peak fitness, and showcase his readiness ahead of the tournament.
By committing his immediate future to Santos, Neymar also sends a signal of stability and focus. The forward has endured periods of uncertainty and injury setbacks over the past three years, but this latest step highlights his determination to write a new chapter both at club and international level. His form in the closing stages of the Brazilian league last season already hinted at his ability to return to top-level performance despite past injuries, and the Santos contract extension provides a platform for continued progress.
As Neymar works towards fitness and match sharpness, fans and pundits will be closely watching his performances at Santos over the next year. If he can maintain his health and recapture the attacking brilliance that defined his earlier career, the 2026 World Cup could offer Neymar a chance to reinforce his status as one of Brazil’s all-time greats and leave a lasting mark on football’s biggest stage.
