Neymar’s new contract with Santos has an extension clause for renewal until the 2026 World Cup
On Tuesday (24/6), Santos announced that it had reached a contract renewal with Neymar. After weeks of negotiations, the club and the number 10’s staff reached an agreement to extend the contract until the end of 2025.
“I made a decision and listened to my heart. Santos is not just my team, it is my home, my roots, my history and my life. 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 fulfill 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 stated.
The main obstacle in the talks revolved around the financial aspect. Santos still had outstanding amounts to pay off the R$85 million stipulated in the initial agreement. The solution found was to increase the renewal amounts and dilute the debt: the remaining payments will be made over a longer period, which broke the impasse. The new contract will also include an extension clause for another six months — that is, until June 2026, when the World Cup will be played.
The extension, however, will depend on the achievement of goals established in the contract and the interest of both parties in continuing with the agreement. The club was waiting for a clear signal from the player about his desire to stay, and this positive response came in the last few days, allowing the new contract to be drawn up.
Neymar returned to Santos at the end of January and has played 13 matches so far. During this period, he scored three goals and provided three assists. However, his time at the club has also been marked by physical problems: the number 10 suffered two muscle injuries in his left thigh, one of which forced him to miss the semifinals of the Campeonato Paulista against Corinthians, when Santos was eliminated.
