Neymar’s Future at Santos: Injury Concerns and World Cup Aspirations

omidbasir- The excitement surrounding Neymar’s potential return to his boyhood club Santos in early 2025 escalated following the cancellation of his contract with Al-Hilal. The former Paris Saint-Germain star was officially unveiled by Santos in late January, expressing his determination to regain peak form and secure a place in the national team.

Although Neymar’s record, with seven goals and three assists in 25 matches across all competitions, is commendable, his frequent injuries have hindered his contributions. Currently, Santos is precariously positioned just above the relegation zone, and reports from BeIN Sports indicate that Neymar has been grappling with knee discomfort this week. Consequently, he is set to miss the upcoming match against Internacional, a crucial fixture for both teams as they compete to avoid relegation. Fortunately, medical assessments show no structural damage, but the pain has raised concerns within the club.

Neymar’s contract with Santos is set to expire at the end of the year, potentially making him a free agent in early 2026, coinciding with the approaching World Cup. While contract negotiations have yet to yield results, club president Marcelo Teixeira remains optimistic, stating, “Neymar’s project is the 2026 World Cup. If there’s consensus, he will extend. There is great trust between him and the club, and I believe we’ll find a solution at the right moment.”

Despite uncertainties regarding his future, a transfer to rivals Fluminense has been dismissed by their president, Mario Bittencourt. He clarified via Twitter, “Regarding Neymar, I clarify that there has been no recent contact between Fluminense and the player, or his staff. Fluminense has immense respect for Santos and, obviously, the club and the player are 100% dedicated to winning the remaining games in the Brazilian Championship.”

In light of Neymar’s absence from recent Brazil squad selections, national team coach Carlo Ancelotti has issued a clear message: Stay fit and perform well, and you may earn a spot in the 2026 World Cup. Ancelotti remarked, “Neymar is on the list of players who can go to the World Cup. He has six months to make the final list. Neymar has recovered, but he needs to show performance. When the Brazilian league ends, he’ll have some vacation time, and then he must demonstrate his quality and physical condition again.”

Ancelotti also provided guidance for Neymar’s path to the prestigious tournament, emphasizing the importance of physical condition and intensity in modern soccer. He advised Neymar to play more centrally, reducing the defensive responsibilities that often accompany a winger role.

As Santos prepares to face Internacional without their star player, they aim to alleviate their relegation fears. Currently, they sit just one position and three points above the drop zone, with four matches remaining in the season. Whether Neymar will contribute to their efforts in these crucial games remains uncertain.