Santos officially announced on Tuesday that they have extended the contract of Brazilian star Neymar until December 31, 2026.

Regarding the contract extension, Santos president Marcelo Teixeira commented: "As the president of Santos and a fan, I am very pleased that our 'Prince' Neymar will stay with us until the end of the year. This shows that our plans to rebuild the club and football are progressing steadily, while also strengthening the club's credibility by respecting procedures. We are on the right track. So let's move forward! Fans, we need your support."

The 33-year-old Neymar came through the Santos youth academy and made his professional debut for the first team in the São Paulo State Football League on March 7, 2009. He subsequently made 225 appearances for Santos, scoring 136 goals and providing 66 assists, leading the team to one Copa Libertadores title, two São Paulo State Football League titles, one Copa Sudamericana Winners' Cup title, and one Copa del Rey title.

In July 2013, Neymar joined La Liga giants Barcelona for a transfer fee of €88 million. Over the next 12 years, he played for Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Al-Hilal, making 366 appearances, scoring 224 goals and providing 158 assists. He also played alongside stars such as Messi, Suarez, and Mbappe, winning one Champions League title, one Club World Cup title, two La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey titles, one Spanish Super Cup title, five Ligue 1 titles, three Coupe de France titles, two Coupe de la Ligue titles, four Coupe de France titles, and one Saudi Arabian Super Cup title.

In January 2015, Neymar terminated his contract with Al-Hilal early and chose to return to Santos. Despite being plagued by injuries, he still managed to score 11 goals and provide 4 assists in 30 games after his return, becoming a key contributor to Santos' successful survival in the league this season.

Currently, Neymar is in the recovery phase following surgery on his left knee meniscus. After finalizing his contract extension, he stated in a press release: "2025 has been a special and challenging year for me. It has had both joyful moments and difficult times, and I have been able to get through it all thanks to your love and support. I deeply feel your passionate emotions and strive to repay you in every match."

“2026 has arrived, and everything seems to have been destined. Santos is my home. I have found a sense of home here, where I feel safe and happy. I hope to work with you to realize my unfinished dreams.”

According to multiple media interpretations, the "dream" Neymar mentioned in his contract extension statement is representing the Brazilian national team at the 2026 USA-Mexico World Cup. The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to be held from June 11 to July 19, giving Neymar five months to prove himself to Brazilian coach Carlo Ancelotti.