Neymar extends Santos contract until December

Rio De Janeiro

Brazilian football star Neymar has decided to stay with Santos FC until December 2025, the club announced on June 25. Neymar, now 33, returned to Santos in January after leaving Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. His current deal extends his stay with the team he first played for professionally in 2009.

Before making this decision, Neymar was linked with moves to Major League Soccer or a possible return to Europe. However, he chose to remain at his home club. “Santos is my home, my history, and my life,” Neymar said. “This is where I became a man. I want to complete my dreams here.”

Neymar has played 243 games for Santos, scoring 141 goals and making 69 assists. Due to injuries, he has only appeared in 12 matches this year. Santos president Marcelo Teixeira called it a "historic day" for the club and fans, saying Neymar’s presence is vital for rebuilding the team.

Neymar has 79 goals in 128 games for Brazil but hasn’t played for the national team since a knee injury in 2023.