The reunion between Neymar Jr. and Santos FC is set to continue. As of today, December 18, 2025, negotiations for a contract extension have reached an advanced stage, with both parties reportedly reaching an "understanding" to keep the
superstar at his boyhood club through the 2026 World Cup.
After a dramatic 2025 season where Neymar transitioned from a "luxury signing" to a legitimate club savior, the focus has shifted to ensuring he is in peak condition for his "final mission" with the Brazilian national team.
The Extension Details: A Six-Month Sprint
The proposed deal is specifically designed to align with the international calendar:
Duration: A six-month extension taking his current contract (which expires December 31, 2024) through to July 2026.
The Logic: This allows Neymar to maintain match rhythm in the Campeonato Paulista and the early stages of the Brasileirão/Copa Sudamericana before heading to the World Cup in North America.
Negotiators: Santos President Marcelo Teixeira and Neymar Sr. are reportedly finalizing the financial adjustments, with the player having already given his "green light" to stay.
2025 Recap: From Relegation Fear to Hero Status
Neymar’s return to Brazil in January 2025 was initially hampered by fitness issues, but his end-of-year form was nothing short of "vintage":
The Rescue Act: With Santos sitting in the relegation zone in November, Neymar scored 5 goals in the final 5 matches, lifting the club to a 12th-place finish.
Season Stats: He finished the 2025 campaign with 12 goals and 6 assists in 30 appearances.
Continental Return: His heroics secured Santos a place in the 2026 Copa Sudamericana, their first return to continental competition in years.
Medical Update: One Final Tune-up
Before the new contract is officially signed, Neymar is scheduled for a minor medical procedure:
Surgery: He will undergo arthroscopic surgery in late December to treat meniscus fraying in his left knee.
Recovery: The procedure is considered "preventative" rather than reconstructive. He is expected to be sidelined for only one month,returning to training in late January.
"I have a goal, a mission that I believe will be my last. I will pursue it at all costs,"
Neymar said recently, referring to the 2026 World Cup.
The "Ancelotti" Factor
Neymar’s decision to stay at Santos is heavily influenced by Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti. Reports suggest Ancelotti has been in constant contact with Neymar, advising him that regular playing time in a familiar environment is his best path to reclaiming a starting spot in the Seleção squad for next summer.