By Ebenezer Mabinuola
Brazilian star Neymar has extended his contract with Santos FC through December 2025, the club announced on June 24. The six-month renewal, with an option for further extension, strengthens his bond with the club where he launched his career.
The 33-year-old, Brazil’s all-time top scorer, returned to Santos in January 2025 after ending his stint with Saudi club Al-Hilal. His homecoming, 12 years after leaving for Barcelona, has reignited local and national football enthusiasm.
“I listened to my heart,” Neymar told BBC Sport. “Santos is my home, my life. This is where I want to fulfill the dreams still missing in my career.”
Since rejoining, Neymar has delivered strong performances—scoring three goals and providing three assists in his first seven games. His form earned a recall to the national team for key World Cup qualifiers. While he drew criticism for skipping a semifinal to attend Carnival, he apologized and reaffirmed his commitment.
Santos, currently 15th in Brazil’s Serie A, benefits greatly from his leadership and star power. Fans celebrated the extension with the phrase “ELE FICA!” (“He stays!”), as speculation continues over whether Neymar will stay beyond 2025 – possibly through the 2026 World Cup.
