Neymar signs for Santos once again, extending his contract by six months as the Brazilian superstar eyes a triumphant return to the international stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 33-year-old, who began his illustrious career at Santos, is determined to rediscover his best form after an injury-ridden spell in Saudi Arabia.
Neymar Signs for Santos: Contract Extension Details
The legendary forward officially signed a contract extension with Santos on Tuesday, confirming he will stay at the Brazilian club until December 2025. Neymar’s previous deal was set to expire on June 30, but the decision to extend reflects both his commitment to the club and his desire to be in top condition for the World Cup.
Speaking to the media, Neymar shared, “I made a decision and followed my heart. Santos is not just my team; it’s my home, my roots, my history, and my life.”
Having started his career at Santos before moving on to Barcelona and later Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar returns to familiar surroundings in hopes of reigniting the spark that once made him one of the most feared forwards in the world.
Key Details of Neymar’s Return to Santos
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior |
| Current Club | Santos FC |
| Contract Duration | Until December 2025 |
| Age | 33 |
| Position | Forward |
| Goals Scored (2025) | 3 goals in 12 matches |
| Last Match Incident | Sent off for handball goal vs Botafogo |
| Initial Return Date | January 2025 |
| World Cup Target | FIFA World Cup 2026 (USA, Canada, Mexico) |
Injury Struggles and Limited Appearances
While Neymar signs for Santos again, his return has been anything but smooth. Following his departure from Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, where he managed just seven appearances in 17 months, injury issues have continued to plague him. Since returning to Santos in January, Neymar has played only 12 games across all competitions, netting three goals.
In his most recent domestic league appearance, he made headlines after being sent off for scoring with his hand—earning a second yellow card in the process against Botafogo.
Despite his high profile, Neymar’s impact hasn’t drastically changed Santos’ fortunes. After 12 rounds in the current Brazilian Championship, Santos sit just above the relegation zone on goal difference.
Off-the-Field Criticism Continues
Neymar signs for Santos, but criticism off the field hasn’t faded. The forward has drawn public scrutiny for attending the Rio Carnival and appearing in the entertainment-centric Kings League, a seven-a-side competition, while supposedly recovering from injuries.
Although his love for Santos and Brazil is undisputed, these extracurricular activities have raised questions about his commitment to full recovery and match readiness. However, Neymar remains focused on proving his critics wrong as he pushes toward World Cup contention.
Neymar’s World Cup Dream Still Alive
Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 international goals, surpassing even Pele, another Santos legend. Yet, the one thing that continues to elude him is a FIFA World Cup winner’s medal.
Earlier in March, Neymar was recalled to the Brazilian squad for qualifiers but had to withdraw due to a thigh injury. In May, newly appointed national team coach Carlo Ancelotti chose to leave him out of his debut squad.
“I selected players who are in good shape. Neymar has just returned from injury, everyone knows he’s a very important player and we’re obviously counting on him,” said Ancelotti.
Despite the setback, Neymar’s decision to remain with Santos provides him with a stable platform to regain top form in familiar territory, surrounded by fans and teammates who support his comeback ambitions.
Can Neymar Deliver for Santos and Brazil?
As Neymar signs for Santos again, the question now shifts to whether he can stay fit and consistent through the rest of 2025. Santos are relying on him not just for his scoring ability but for leadership and inspiration.
If Neymar can string together a solid run of games and perform at his best, there’s little doubt he will return to Brazil’s World Cup squad. For now, his commitment to Santos is a powerful statement of loyalty—and a reminder that his journey is far from over.
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Conclusion
The news that Neymar signs for Santos until December 2025 is a major boost for the Brazilian club and national team fans alike. With the 2026 World Cup looming, Neymar’s next six months will be critical. His story is one of resilience, love for his roots, and an unfulfilled dream that still burns brightly.
