Key Takeaways:
- Neymar extended his contract with Santos until the conclusion of 2026, as announced on Tuesday
- The 33-year-old netted five goals in his final five matches after rejoining Santos in January 2025, helping ensure their top-flight status
- Brazil have been drawn against Scotland, Morocco and Haiti in Group C of the World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19 in Canada, Mexico and the United States
Contract Extension and World Cup Ambitions
Neymar has officially agreed to prolong his tenure at Santos until the end of 2026, as confirmed by the Brazilian club on Tuesday. Despite ongoing battles with injury, the forward is determined to regain full fitness in his quest for a return to Brazil’s World Cup squad.
Neymar has extended his contract with Santos until the end of 2026 as he seeks to earn a World Cup call-up ✍️🇧🇷
The 33-year-old has not featured for Brazil since 2023, following a string of injuries. pic.twitter.com/JEh43mTVkX
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 7, 2026
Impact Since Santos Return and Injury Situation
The attacker, aged 33, made his return to his childhood side in January 2025. Since rejoining Santos, Neymar significantly boosted the club’s campaign to remain in the Brazilian top division, scoring on five occasions in the team’s final five fixtures. His influence was pivotal in securing the club’s survival at the highest domestic level.
Addressing the supporters in a video shared on Santos’ social media platforms, Neymar stated: “Santos is my place, I’m at home,” continuing, “It’s with you that I want to achieve the dreams that are still missing.”
Neymar recently overcame another setback after undergoing a successful arthroscopic knee procedure last month. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has contended with injuries throughout his career.
Brazilian National Team and Upcoming World Cup Draw
With a record 79 international goals, Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer. However, he has not represented the national side since 2023. In October, manager Carlo Ancelotti commented that Neymar must attain complete fitness to be considered for a recall to the national team.
Brazil will face Scotland, Morocco and Haiti as part of Group C in the World Cup, which is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
