Brazil star Neymar has made a decision on his future as he targets a fourth World Cup for his nation in 2026.
The winger, 33, rejoined his boyhood club Santos in January on a six-month contract after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
He scored three goals in 14 appearances during the second half of the 2024-25 campaign – having previously netted 136 goals in 225 games in his first spell at the club from 2009 to 2013.
Now, he has opted to renew his contract with Santos, potentially paving a pathway for him to feature for the Selecao at next year’s World Cup.
In a statement posted on the club’s website, he said: ‘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.
Brazil star Neymar has made a decision over whether or not to continue his career
He could potentially appear at a fourth World Cup for the Selecao in 2026
‘Here I was a boy who became a man, and I am truly loved. Here I can be myself, truly happy. And it is here that I want to fulfil the dreams that are missing in my career.
‘And nothing will stop me. I go, I come back and I stay. Where it all began and where it will never end.’
He will be hoping for a sustained spell in Santos’ team having struggled with injuries during his 18-month spell in Saudi Arabia.
He has not played for Brazil since suffering an an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury back in October 2023, but remains his country’s record goalscorer with 79 goals.
Off the field, Neymar was recently seen with Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal in Rio de Janeiro.
In a post on Instagram, Yamal quashed rumours over his relationship status after he was seen with a Colombian model and adult film star twelve years his senior.
The Blaugrana wonderkid gave another update on the matter on Sunday.
Pictured with Neymar, Yamal wrote: ‘Single and happy, this is Brazil!’.
