Neymar extends Santos deal in bid for World Cup spot
By BBC, January 7, 2026Brazil forward Neymar has extended his contract with Santos until the end of 2026 as he seeks to earn a World Cup call-up.
The 33-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club in January 2025, has not represented five-time World Cup winners Brazil since 2023 amid his struggles with injuries.
The former Barcelona and Paris St-Germain forward played through pain to help Santos avoid relegation from Brazil’s top flight last season, scoring five times in their last five matches.
He then had surgery on his left knee to repair a damaged meniscus, to boost his hopes of being included in Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti’s plans this summer.
“Santos is my place, I’m at home,” Neymar said in a video posted on the club’s social media.
He told the fans: “It’s with you that I want to achieve the dreams that are still missing.”
Ancelotti said in October 2025 that Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals, must be fully fit to earn a recall.
Neymar spent 12 months out after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in October 2023.
He was due to make his return to the national team last year after a 17-month absence, but was forced to withdraw from the squad with a muscle injury.
Brazil will face Scotland, Morocco and Haiti in Group C at the World Cup, which begins on 11 June across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
He is also preparing a “last card” for World Cup qualification. Neymar will receive help from Brazilian physiotherapist Eduardo Santos, known as “Doctor Miracle.”
According to ESPN, Neymar will undergo arthroscopic partial meniscectomy on his left knee and enter Santos’ customised rehabilitation program. Philippe Coutinho, Matheus Cunha and others have achieved quick returns under his care.
Ancelotti’s view is cold. He said, “Brazil may or may not be with Neymar. We owe nothing to anyone,” and warned, “A final decision will be made after the March FIFA schedule.” The World Cup is in June, and the final roster is confirmed in May. There is not much time left.
Whether Neymar can link his choice at Santos to a return to the national team, his final World Cup bid has been put to the test.