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On Wednesday, June 25, Brazilian Serie A club confirmed veteran forward Neymar Jr’s stay at his boyhood club. Neymar, who returned to Santos, signing a six-month contract in January 2025, recently extended his stay, which will keep him until December 2025.
The new deal includes an option to extend his contract through the 2026 World Cup next summer, a source close to the development further informed. Notably, Neymar Jr’s contract with Santos was set to expire on June 30. He rejoined his boyhood club after terminating his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal by a mutual consent.
I listened to my heart: Neymar Jr on extending his contract
This move comes after Neymar turned down an offer to play on loan at Braziliam club Fluminense in the Club World Cup in order to stay focussed on regaining fitness. Speaking after his contract extension, Neymar said, “I made a decision and I listened to my heart. Santos is not just my team, it is my home, my roots, my history and my life.”
“Here I was a boy who became a man, and I am truly loved. Here I can be myself, truly happy. And it is here that I want to fulfil the dreams that are missing in my career. And nothing will stop me. I go, I come back and I stay. Where it all began and where it will never end," he continued.
Speaking of the 33-year-old, the Brazilian international made just limited 12 appearances this year for the eight-time Serie A championsdue to injuries. However, in the past, Neymar made his professional debut for Santos in 2009, scoring 141 goals and providing 69 assists in 243 appearances. But with his extension at Santos, Neymar will hope to play his fourth World Cup.
