Neymar Jr makes Santos transfer decision ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup: Reports

Neymar Jr. has reportedly renewed his contract with Santos for another year. He is hoping to make it into the Brazil national team's squad for the FIFA World Cup this summer.

The Brazilian attacker hasn't featured for Brazil since September 2023, as he suffered an ACL injury. He has since missed around 89 games for Al-Hilal and Santos due to multiple injury issues. However, he is keen to make it into Carlo Ancelotti's FIFA World Cup squad.

As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 33-year-old has signed a new deal with Santos, which will expire in December 2026. Neymar Jr helped the Brazilian side avoid relegation despite struggling with a knee injury in the recently concluded season. He scored five goals in seven games after returning from a hamstring injury in November.

After helping Santos avoid relegation, the former Barcelona man underwent knee surgery. It will reportedly keep him out of action for around a month. However, as per ESPN, the attacker is working with physiotherapist Eduardo Santos. The latter is known for helping the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Matheus Cunha recover much earlier than predicted from injuries.

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Carlo Ancelotti opened up about Neymar Jr's place in Brazil's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has shared his thoughts on potentially selecting the Santos attacker in his World Cup squad. He explained that he has to look at all players and that he "doesn't owe anyone a debt". The former Real Madrid manager said (h/t Daily Mail):

"We talk about Neymar, we have to talk about other players. We have to think about Brazil, which can be with Neymar or without him, with other players or without other players." "The definitive list we will make after the FIFA date in March. I understand very well that they are very interested in Neymar, I want to clarify that we are in December, the World Cup is in June, I will choose the team that will go to the World Cup in May.'If Neymar deserves to be, if he is well, better than someone else, he will play in the World Cup. I don't owe anyone a debt," he added.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, Neymar Jr. shared the stage with singer Thiaguinho in Brazil and told the audience (h/t GOAL):

"We are going to do everything possible, even the impossible, to bring this World Cup back to Brazil. In July, you can hold me accountable. Come on, Ancelotti, help us out, okay? If we reach the final, I promise to score."

Neymar Jr. is Brazil's all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 128 games, along with 59 assists.

Edited by Aditya Singh