Sao Paulo, June 25: Neymar has extended his contract with Brazilian club Santos until the end of December.
The 33-year-old forward returned to his boyhood club in late January but has been limited by injuries. His current deal was set to expire next week. Neymar and Santos confirmed the extension Tuesday.
“I extended my contract with Santos. I went, I came back and I stay where it all began and where it will never end,” Neymar said in a video on his social media channels.
Neither side explained why he did not extend his contract until the middle of 2026, when many Brazilians still expect him to play in the World Cup.
Earlier in June, new Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti hinted he is counting on Neymar’s recovery to play in the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Since he left Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal for Santos, Neymar has played 12 matches, scored three goals and provided three assists. He had two extended periods of absence due to muscle injuries.
Neymar played 225 matches for Santos in his first spell. He scored 138 goals, many of them key to winning six titles at the Brazilian giant. His latest appearance for the team was a frustrating one; he was sent off in the 76th minute of Santos’ 1-0 loss to Botafogo. (AP)
