Santos & Neymar's Agreement: Contract Extension until 2026 World Cup Resolves Uncertainty
Brazilian superstar Neymar and Santos have reportedly come to an agreement to extend his contract at the club until the 2026 World Cup. Neymar's return to his boyhood team and his contribution in avoiding relegation have solidified his commitment. Despite an upcoming surgery, Neymar remains focused on securing a spot in Brazil's squad for the World Cup next year.
Brazilian superstar Neymar has reportedly "reached an understanding" with Santos to extend his stay at the club until the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The 33-year-old returned to his boyhood team in January, following an injury-plagued spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal, but has been linked with an exit as his current contract expires at the end of the month.The 33-year-old has always prioritised staying at Santos and now looks set to continue at least until the World Cup, according to ESPN. Various clubs have been linked with a move for Neymar, including Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, but the two parties are now in "advanced talks" to extend his contract after Neymar helped defend Santos' top-flight status and avoid relegation at the end of last season. Neymar is now expected to sign a six-month extension to his current contract, which will end speculation about a move ahead of the World Cup. Neymar has scored 12 goals and bagged six assists in 30 games for Santos since returning at the start of the year.Although Neymar's future now looks to be resolved, he is set to undergo surgery on a knee injury. The Brazilian played through the pain barrier at the end of last season but is expected to go under the knife for a procedure that will rule him out of action for a month. The Brazilian is currently on holiday following the end of Santos's season, with the new campaign in Brazil not due to start until the end of January.Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Neymar has been enjoying regular football once again at Santos as he aims to book a spot in Brazil's squad for World Cup 2026. The former Barcelona star hasn't played for the national team for two years but has made it clear he's dreaming of playing in next summer's competition for the Selecao. After returning to Santos, he said: "Obviously, the national team is something I want to return to. I still have something to achieve (the World Cup), a mission that I think is my last, so I'm going to go after it no matter what. I have goals."However, it remains to be seen if manager Carlo Ancelotti will call Neymar into his squad for the tournament. The Italian has previously revealed that Neymar is in contention but a final decision is yet to be made. He told reporters: “If we’re talking about Neymar, we have to talk about other players. We have to think about Brazil, which could have Neymar or be without Neymar, with other players or without other players. We’ll make the final list after the March FIFA window. I understand very well that you are very interested in Neymar. I want to make it clear that we are in December, the World Cup is in June, and I will choose the team that goes to the World Cup in May. If Neymar deserves to be there, if he’s doing well, if he’s better than someone else, he will play in the World Cup, period. I don’t owe anything to anyone."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingThe message to Neymar couldn't be clearer, he must prove his form and fitness in the coming months if he is to feature in what would likely be his last World Cup for Brazil. Ancelotti's side have been draw to face Haiti, Morocco, and Scotland in the group stages, a lineup the Brazil boss thinks will be tricky. Ancelotti told Sportv: "Morocco were very good during the last World Cup. Scotland are a solid team, very solid, (it will be) pretty difficult. We have to prepare well and try to win the group." Yet Brazil will be expected to finish as group winners as they aim to win the World Cup for a sixth time.
Neymar Commits to Santos Until 2026 World Cup
Neymar, at 33 years old, has reportedly agreed to a contract extension with Santos that will see him stay at the club until the 2026 World Cup. After returning to his childhood team from Al-Hilal, Neymar has been pivotal in helping Santos maintain their top-flight status and avoid relegation. This decision puts an end to speculation about a potential move away from the club before the World Cup.
Neymar's Playing Future and Surgery Update
Despite the contract extension news, Neymar is set to undergo knee surgery that will sideline him for a month. This procedure comes after Neymar played through pain to finish the previous season with Santos. The Brazilian forward is currently on a holiday break, gearing up for the upcoming Brazilian campaign starting in January.
Neymar's World Cup Aspirations and National Team Return
Neymar's focus remains on securing a place in Brazil's squad for the 2026 World Cup. The former Barcelona star has expressed his desire to represent his country on the global stage once again. However, manager Carlo Ancelotti has emphasized the need for Neymar to maintain top form and fitness to earn a spot in the squad. The final decision on Neymar's inclusion will be made closer to the tournament.
Brazil's World Cup Preparation and Group Stage Challenge
Carlo Ancelotti will guide Brazil through a challenging group stage featuring Haiti, Morocco, and Scotland. While acknowledging the difficulty of the opposition, Ancelotti is focused on preparing the team to secure victories and progress in the tournament. Brazil, a five-time World Cup champion, will aim to clinch their sixth title in 2026.




