Neymar has reportedly agreed to extend his contract at Santos by another year in his fight to make Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad.
The 33-year-old has renewed his deal until December 2026 with his boyhood club, according to Fabrizio Romano.
In November he returned from a hamstring injury and he has since scored five goals in seven games, including a hat-trick against Juventude, while wearing the captain’s armband.
There was plenty of uncertainty as his contract was due to expire imminently but he must see remaining at Santos as a promising route into Carlo Ancelotti’s plans.
Earlier in December, Neymar promised to score in the World Cup final and bring the trophy home if he is selected.
Ancelotti has left the door open to him returning but Neymar has not played for the Selecao since September 2023 after suffering a devastating knee injury.
The former Barcelona and PSG winger has missed a total of 89 games since moving to Al-Hilal in 2023 and then his boyhood club Santos earlier this year.
Those lengthy spells in the medical room haven’t stopped him from helping the Brazilian Serie A side, however, as he scored 11 times and claimed four assists to help Santos avoid relegation last season.
He has a battle to get back into the Brazil squad, though, despite being the naion’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals.
In a dramatic bid to increase his chances of featuring in what is likely to be his last ever World Cup, he is said to be seeking the help of Brazilian physiotherapist Eduardo Santos.
Santos, who has been dubbed ‘Dr Miracle’ is world-renowned for his unconventional methods which allow his patients – including the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Matheus Cunha – to fast-track their recoveries from serious injuries.
More to follow.
