Neymar officially extends his contract with Santos until 2026, focusing all his efforts on his World Cup dream.

Neymar officially confirmed his contract extension with Santos until 2026 on January 7th. This decision not only marks the 33-year-old superstar's long-term commitment to his boyhood club but also represents a strategic step towards his biggest career goal: conquering the 2026 World Cup with the Brazilian national team.

The commitment at the Santos house

Speaking on Santos' official media channels, Neymar shared his emotional feelings about his commitment to the team. He affirmed that Santos is where he feels safest and happiest to fulfill his unfinished dreams. Returning to the club in January 2025, the striker quickly proved his worth with 11 goals in 34 appearances.

Notably, Neymar's presence was a crucial morale booster that helped Santos overcome the grueling relegation battle in Brazil's Serie A last season. Despite facing a series of injuries, the former Barcelona star's influence remained a key factor in helping the team maintain its position in Brazil's top league.

The physical challenge and the stringent standards set by Carlo Ancelotti.

To realize his World Cup dream, Neymar's biggest obstacle right now is his physical condition. Since suffering a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in October 2023 while playing for the national team, he has been working hard to regain his best form. Most recently, on December 22nd, the striker underwent a successful minor surgery on his left knee.

Brazil's head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has made it very clear about his selection criteria for the biggest football event on the planet. The Italian strategist emphasized that he only prioritizes players who are 100% fit, regardless of whether they are big stars like Neymar or Vinicius Junior.

According to Ancelotti, the Selecao's attack is currently highly competitive with many rising young talents. If a star player is only at 90% of their form, he is ready to give a chance to another player who is fitter. This puts Neymar in a fierce race against time to prove his full recovery before the summer of 2026.

Roadmap for return in 2026

Neymar will begin his quest to bring the World Cup trophy back to Brazil with a busy schedule at the start of the new year. According to the schedule, Santos will open their season in the Sao Paulo state championship on January 10th. Following that, the team will officially begin their Brazilian Serie A campaign on January 28th with a match against Chapecoense.

The contract extension has given Neymar the necessary psychological stability to focus on his recovery. Brazilian fans have high expectations for the number 10, as he has declared he will do everything possible, even seemingly impossible things, to bring glory to his country at the upcoming World Cup.