Neymar Set to Extend Santos Stay, Ending Inter Miami and Europe Speculation

Neymar reportedly agrees new Santos contract through 2026

Neymar has reportedly moved to end months of speculation about his next step by agreeing a new contract with Santos. The Brazilian forward returned to his boyhood club in January 2025 and is now said to be poised to sign fresh terms that would keep him at Vila Belmiro through the 2026 World Cup finals and to the end of another calendar year.

According to Globo Esporte, the agreement would run until December 31, 2026. At one stage, it had appeared as though the 33-year-old playmaker might seek a new challenge after reaching free agency, with links to a move to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer or a return to European football. The reported new deal suggests he will remain in Brazil instead.

Rehabilitation and familiar surroundings factor into the decision

The report indicates Neymar is currently working through another rehabilitation programme after undergoing knee surgery. Remaining at Santos keeps him close to family and friends, and he is said to be happy to continue his recovery in familiar surroundings.

While the club are reportedly delighted to see their captain commit, the same report notes that Neymar costs Santos the same amount per month as “four or five regular players.” It also states he has an image rights contract with NR Sports that increases his overall earnings.

Strong finish to the 2025 season and a clear target ahead

Neymar’s decision to stay comes after a productive end to the 2025 season. After returning from a hamstring problem in November, he scored five goals in seven games, including a hat-trick against Juventude. Those contributions helped Santos steer away from relegation danger, adding a sporting rationale to the idea of continuity going into a major international year.

Questions had followed him regularly about whether he would look for a fresh start in a World Cup year. The underlying issue is straightforward: he needs to be playing regularly to push for a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the next major tournament.

Brazil return remains a goal, but selection will be based on form and fitness

Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 caps, but he has not represented his country since suffering knee ligament damage in September 2023. Even so, he has spoken publicly about his determination to be ready for another shot at international success.

He told reporters: “We will do everything possible, even the impossible, to bring this World Cup back to Brazil.” He added: “If we reach the final, I promise to score.”

Ancelotti has left the door open for Neymar to earn a recall, while also making clear that sentiment will not dictate his choices. The coach has stressed that Neymar will need to earn his place, explaining that Brazil must be considered with or without any individual player. Ancelotti said: “We talk about Neymar, we have to talk about other players. We have to think about Brazil, which can be with Neymar or without Neymar, with other players or without other players.”

He also outlined the timing of his decisions: “The definitive list we will make after the FIFA date in March. I understand very well that people are very interested in Neymar. I want to clarify that we are in December, the World Cup is in June, I will choose the team that will go to the World Cup in May. If Neymar deserves to be, if he is well, better than someone else, he will play in the World Cup. I don't owe anyone a debt.”

Injuries have disrupted recent years

Neymar still has significant ground to make up after an injury-hit period. He has missed a total of 89 games since moving to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in 2023. An ACL injury contributed to his contract in Saudi Arabia being terminated, and further fitness issues have followed after his return to Santos.

He has reportedly undergone another operation on his left knee and is working with Brazilian physiotherapist Eduardo Santos, who has been dubbed “Dr Miracle.” The report notes that the physiotherapist has previously helped players such as Philippe Coutinho and Matheus Cunha recover from serious knee problems.

Inter Miami reunion talk fades as Santos extension takes shape

By committing to a plan centered on recovery and continuity at Santos, Neymar has also, for now, ruled out a reunion with former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at MLS Cup winners Inter Miami. It had been suggested that their famed “MSN” attacking trio could be reformed in the United States, but the reported Santos agreement means any move to South Florida has been delayed indefinitely.

For Santos, the reported contract extension would secure a high-profile leader through the end of 2026. For Neymar, it sets a clear framework: regain full fitness, play regularly, and make a compelling case for inclusion in Brazil’s World Cup plans. With rehabilitation ongoing and selection standards clearly stated by Ancelotti, the next 12 months look set to be defined by availability, performance, and whether Neymar can translate his stated ambition into consistent minutes on the pitch.

• Neymar is reportedly set to sign with Santos until December 31, 2026.
• He is currently in rehabilitation after knee surgery.
• He finished the 2025 season with five goals in seven games after returning from a hamstring issue.
• Ancelotti has said Neymar must earn his place and selection will be based on merit.
• The extension would rule out an immediate move to Inter Miami and a reunion with Messi and Suarez.