Home club holds on as Neymar signs Santos extension till 2026

Brazilian football star Neymar has extended his contract with Santos until the end of 2026 , giving a major boost to his boyhood club and keeping alive his hopes of featuring in next year’s World Cup. The club confirmed the contract extension late on Tuesday, ending speculation over the 33-year-old forward’s future, as his previous deal was set to expire in July. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule already released , set to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026 , Neymar now has a clear calendar to focus on rebuilding his rhythm and fitness ahead of the tournament.

The Brazil forward returned to Santos last year after leaving Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal , marking an emotional homecoming to the club where his professional journey began. Despite struggling with injuries during the season, he played a crucial role in helping Santos avoid relegation from Brazil’s top division. In the 2025 season, Neymar scored 12 goals and registered six assists, underlining his continued importance to the side.

Describing the past year as deeply meaningful, Neymar said 2025 was “a special and challenging year” for him. In a statement released by the club, he credited the fans for standing by him during tough moments. “Santos is my place. Here I feel at home, safe and happy,” he said.

Neymar first rose to global prominence during his initial stint at Santos between 2009 and 2013, before moving on to European football and later the Middle East. In December, he underwent minor surgery on his left knee and is now focused on returning to peak fitness.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti , appointed in May, is yet to include Neymar in the national squad, but the extended club commitment could help the star rebuild rhythm ahead of the World Cup season. Neymar’s contract extension with Santos reportedly runs until June 30, 2026, and under the deal he is earning a base salary of around €4–5 million per month, with significant performance bonuses tied to goals and assists, highlighting the financial weight of his stay at his boyhood club as he aims to return to full fitness ahead of the tournament