Neymar receives great news, a bright chance to participate in the 2026 World Cup

Neymar is currently confronted with an important choice regarding his future at Santos FC, as he gets ready to renew his contract through 2026, paving the way for the upcoming World Cup.

Neymar is now at a pivotal crossroads concerning his future. According to Globo, Santos FC has officially offered Neymar a contract extension until December 2026, ahead of his current deal expiring this December. The Brazilian club is very pleased with Neymar’s contributions and aims to keep him, especially with the goal of competing in the 2026 World Cup.

After returning to Santos from Al Hilal in early 2025, Neymar delivered an impressive performance, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists in the last 3 matches of the season, helping the team avoid relegation from Serie A. Although his contract is nearing its end and Neymar has the freedom to negotiate a move, Santos, led by president Marcelo Teixeira, is determined to retain him and build a long-term future.

President Teixeira stated: “Renewing Neymar’s contract is our top priority. Everything depends on the budget, but we are very confident in reaching an agreement.” The renewal proposal includes a monthly salary of 4.14 million reais (approximately 770,000 USD), plus bonuses based on performance. Additionally, Santos pledges to gradually pay off 13 million euros of old debt by the end of 2026.

Despite suffering numerous injuries throughout his career, Neymar seems to have found comfort at Santos. He wants to continue playing in a familiar environment, close to family, and especially with the club that nurtured him from the beginning. Neymar returned to Santos after a long stint in Europe and the Middle East and hopes to contribute more to the team, particularly by leading younger players.

However, Neymar’s comeback is not without challenges. During his time at Santos, he has faced tensions with some fans, teammates, and management. Moreover, with a necessary meniscus surgery looming, Neymar’s future remains somewhat uncertain. Nevertheless, his outstanding performances in the season’s final matches prove he still possesses top-level ability despite physical setbacks.

Contract negotiations between Neymar and Santos are ongoing, but it’s clear that this deal impacts not only the player's future but also his chances of representing Brazil at the 2026 World Cup. Neymar wants to keep contributing to Santos and hopes the club will continue investing in the squad, with him as a key player.