Neymar Eyes 2026 After Extending Santos Stay

Neymar has dismissed talk of winding down his glittering career, signing a fresh deal with boyhood club Santos that keeps him in Vila Belmiro until December 2025 and fuels his ambition to feature at the 2026 World Cup.

Neymar sets sights on 2026 World Cup

The 33-year-old forward, now fully focused on recovery from last season’s ACL setback, told wife Bruna Biancardi in a televised family chat that his “love for football” still wakes him up to train every day. While critics question his durability after spells at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and, most recently, a short-lived stint with Al-Hilal, the Seleção’s record scorer insists he will only hang up his boots when he “can no longer perform as I want to.”

New Santos contract reinforces loyalty

Returning to the club where he became a global star, Neymar turned down European interest to pen an 18-month extension. Santos officials believe his presence will boost both locker-room standards and commercial revenue, with packed crowds already greeting his rehab sessions.

Blocking out the noise

Neymar admitted long-standing frustration with online criticism but said a “strong mindset” stops social media from denting his focus. “People who don’t know my daily life judge easily,” he remarked, “yet my name will stay in football history.”

What’s next?

The Brazilian talisman expects to return to competitive action early in 2025, giving him a full club season to sharpen fitness before CONMEBOL qualifiers conclude and the 2026 tournament beckons.

Opinion

If Neymar can stay healthy, his flair and vision could be priceless for a youthful Brazil squad in North America. The question, as always, is whether his body will finally match his ambition.