Brazilian superstar Neymar has extended his contract with Santos FC until the end of 2026 as he aims to secure a spot in Brazil’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The 33-year-old forward returned to his boyhood club in January 2025 and has been working to regain full fitness after a series of injuries that have kept him away from international action since 2023.

Neymar’s Journey Back to Fitness

Neymar, formerly of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, played through pain during the 2025 season to help Santos avoid relegation from Brazil’s top flight. He scored five goals in the final five matches, demonstrating his enduring quality and commitment to the club.

Following the season, Neymar underwent surgery on his left knee to repair a damaged meniscus, a move aimed at boosting his chances of a call-up to Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad.

“Santos is my place, I’m at home,” Neymar said in a video posted on the club’s social media channels. “It’s with you that I want to achieve the dreams that are still missing.”

Neymar’s dedication comes after a challenging period in his career. He spent 12 months sidelined following a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in October 2023 and was forced to withdraw from a national team recall last year due to a muscle injury, delaying his return to Brazil’s setup.

Brazil’s World Cup Prospects

Brazil, five-time World Cup winners, are drawn in Group C alongside Scotland, Morocco, and Haiti at the tournament set to take place from 11 June across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals, second only in caps to Cafu (142), and a fully fit Neymar would be a key asset for the Seleção.

Ancelotti emphasized in October that Neymar must be fully recovered to earn his recall, underlining the importance of his recent contract extension and rehabilitation at Santos.

Impact of the Contract Extension

The extension cements Neymar’s commitment to his boyhood club as he focuses on achieving personal milestones, including World Cup glory, and contributing to Santos’ domestic ambitions. His presence also brings increased attention and support to the club, reinforcing its status as a platform for elite talent in Brazilian football.

As the World Cup approaches, Neymar’s form and fitness will be closely monitored, and this new contract signals both his dedication to the national team and his ongoing influence in South American football.