Neymar Extends Commitment to Santos Until 2026 Amid Rehabilitation

According to Globo Esporte, Neymar has finalized a deal with Santos that extends his stay at Vila Belmiro until December 31, 2026. Initially, it seemed the 33-year-old playmaker might seek a new challenge after entering free agency. However, he is currently undergoing rehabilitation following knee surgery and is content to remain in a familiar environment close to family and friends.

Santos is understandably pleased to have their star captain commit to a new contract. Nonetheless, reports from Globo indicate that Neymar’s salary is equivalent to that of four or five average players on the team, supplemented by an image rights contract with NR Sports.

After finishing the 2025 season impressively, during which he played a crucial role in steering Santos away from relegation, Neymar has agreed to stay. He returned from a hamstring injury in November, scoring five goals in seven matches, including a hat-trick against Juventude.

Amid speculation regarding his future in a World Cup year, many questioned whether the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward would seek a fresh start. Regular playing time is essential for him to secure a spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for another major tournament.

Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals from 128 caps, has not represented his country since suffering knee ligament damage in September 2023. Nevertheless, he has pledged to be ready for another opportunity at global success, stating, “We will do everything possible, even the impossible, to bring this World Cup back to Brazil,” and added, “If we reach the final, I promise to score.”

Carlo Ancelotti has left open the possibility for Neymar’s international recall but emphasized that sentiment will not influence his selections. He has made it clear that Neymar must earn his place on the team. Ancelotti remarked, “When we talk about Neymar, we must also consider other players. We have to think about Brazil, which can succeed with or without Neymar.”

The definitive squad will be announced after the FIFA date in March. Ancelotti noted, “If Neymar deserves to be included, if he is in better condition than others, he will be selected. I do not owe anyone any favors.”

Neymar has much to prove, having missed a total of 89 games since joining Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League in 2023. An ACL injury led to the termination of his lucrative contract in the Middle East, and he has faced additional fitness challenges back home at Santos. He is currently rehabilitating with renowned Brazilian physiotherapist Eduardo Santos, known as ‘Dr. Miracle’ for his success in aiding athletes like Philippe Coutinho and Matheus Cunha in their recoveries from serious knee injuries.

By committing to this rehabilitation plan, Neymar, who had been linked with clubs in Italy and the English Premier League, has ruled out a reunion with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami. Although there were suggestions of reforming their famous ‘MSN’ strike force in the U.S., any potential move to Miami has been postponed indefinitely. Nonetheless, Neymar has significant objectives to pursue in the coming year.