Neymar signs contract extension with Santos

The 33-year-old forward rejoined his boyhood club in January but has struggled with injuries since his return. His initial contract was set to expire next week, but both Neymar and Santos announced the extension on Tuesday.

“I extended my contract with Santos. I went, I came back and I stay where it all began and where it will never end,” Neymar said in a video posted on his social media.

The parties did not clarify why the extension only runs until the end of 2025 rather than mid-2026, which some expected, considering Brazil’s preparations for the next World Cup. Earlier this month, new Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti indicated he hopes Neymar will recover in time to feature in the tournament, to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Since departing Saudi club Al-Hilal for Santos, Neymar has appeared in 12 matches, scoring three goals and providing three assists, though he missed several games due to muscle injuries.

During his first stint at Santos, Neymar played 225 matches, netting 138 goals and helping the club secure six titles. Santos was relegated in 2023 but returned to Brazil’s top flight the following year.

Neymar’s most recent match was on June 1, when he was sent off during a 1-0 home loss to Botafogo. Attempting to score, he used his hand to push the ball into the net after realizing he couldn’t reach it with his head. Already on a yellow card, Neymar received a second booking and was dismissed. The goal was disallowed, and Botafogo scored the winner in the 86th minute.

Neymar's time at Al-Hilal ended by mutual agreement six months before his contract expired. He made only seven appearances for the Saudi club after suffering an ACL injury that sidelined him for nearly a year. Al-Hilal later said Neymar was no longer capable of performing at his previous level.

The Brazilian star had also faced criticism after leaving both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, despite his contributions to titles and goals at both clubs.

Santos currently sits 15th in the Brazilian league table with 11 points from 12 matches, reports UNB.