Neymar understood his contract with Santos FC was coming up, so the Brazil star made sure to extend his time with the boyhood club that turned him into the superstar he is.
The star forward has signed a six-month contract extension with the Brazilian club on Tuesday, which will now expire at the end of 2025. This will allow him to explore options in the December transfer window, preferably European clubs that would have interest in acquiring his services.
Nonetheless, the news ends the cloud of mystery surrounding Neymar. While his return to Santos FC was heartwarming as he displayed the skills that wows fans, injuries continue to be a nuisance for the forward.
Since reuniting with the club in January, Neymar has only played in four Brazilian Championship matches due to a thigh injury that had him out for more than a month. He also tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month. Santos are currently 15th in the Brazilian Serie A table.
The club posted across all social media platforms, confirming to fans that the superstar will stay for the rest of the year. In the video, Neymar shared his message to the community.
“I made a decision and I listened to my heart. Santos is not just my team; it is my home, my roots, my history and my life. I grew up here and became a man here. I am truly loved here. Here I can be myself and be truly happy,” Neymar said.
What’s next for Neymar After Santos Decision
GettySANTOS, BRAZIL – JUNE 01: Neymar of Santos reacts during a match between Santos and Botafogo as part of Brasileirao 2025 at Urbano Caldeira Stadium (Vila Belmiro) on June 01, 2025 in Santos, Brazil. (Photo by Miguel Schincariol/Getty Images)
Neymar had until June 30 to make a decision with Santos FC, meaning he had six days to spare with the contract extension.
He even admitted he had offers to play in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. One of those offers came from Fluminense, another Brazilian club. He would have reunited with veteran defender Thiago Silva, who has helped the team have a solid performance in the group stage so far. They look to advance to the knockout phase with a win or draw in their final match against Malemodi Sundowns on June 25 at 3 p.m. ET.
“I had conversations with some teams about playing in the Club World Cup. Fluminense came very close to making it happen, but I chose to stay and train a bit more. I’m 100% physically, but I need to be even better to return in top form,” the forward said during an interview on the Flow Podcast.
This was a major sign that Neymar wishes to keep playing at the highest level. While Santos FC still has a way to go after returning to the top flight this year, they get a lot of assurance with their star player sticking around for six more months.
When the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup comes to a close, the Brazilian league will return to action. Neymar and Santos FC will face Palmeiras on July 13.
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