Neymar Signs On With Santos Through 2026, Eyes World Cup Glory and Fewer Injuries
7 January 2026
Renewal Announced and Its Significance
The Brazilian star Neymar da Silva has signed a contract extension to remain with Santos through the end of 2026.
He announced the news himself via the club's official channels on social platforms.
During the renewal, Neymar said: "2025 was a special year full of challenges for me; a time that brought moments of joy and helped me overcome obstacles I wouldn't have faced without your love".
He added: "2026 has arrived, and fate could not choose a different path; Santos is my home, I feel safe and happy here, and with you I want to achieve the rest of my dreams."
Neymar (33) had returned to his boyhood club in January, and despite battling injuries and the team's dip in form during the Brazilian league season, he helped prevent relegation in the final matches.
Santos announced on December 22 that Neymar, who has endured knee injuries in recent years, underwent a successful minor operation on his left knee.
He has not played for Brazil since suffering an ACL tear during World Cup qualifiers in October 2023.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star remains hopeful of earning a Brazil squad spot for the upcoming World Cup, with coach Carlo Ancelotti repeatedly saying Neymar would be among the choices if fully fit.
Neymar has tallied 11 goals in 34 appearances for Santos since joining at the start of 2025.
Punchlines:
Punchline 1: If goals were grades, Neymar would finally graduate from Injury 101 with honors — finally a report card that makes the bench look like a retirement plan.
Punchline 2: Santos might need to rename the stadium after him—Neymar’s House: where the goals wake up and the defense pretends to sleep.
