M88WorldCups - Santos president Marcelo Teixeira has confirmed that renewing Neymar’s contract is the club’s top priority, just days after the Brazilian star admitted that he is still uncertain about his future.

The former Barcelona player returned to his boyhood club earlier this year and played a crucial role in helping Santos avoid an embarrassing relegation from the Brazilian Serie A, but his current contract is now approaching its end.

Neymar Faces an Uncertain Future at Santos

Neymar has once again endured a difficult period since returning to Santos, with injury problems resurfacing as they did during his time with Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

The Brazilian club had been on the brink of relegation from the top tier of national football, but the star forward emerged as the inspiration in a crucial 3-0 victory over Cruzeiro.

He even played through pain caused by a new meniscus injury in his knee to ensure that Santos remained in Serie A.

Nevertheless, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star immediately raised questions about his short-term future.

When asked about his next steps, Neymar admitted that he does not yet know for certain.

He stated that he needs time to rest and step away briefly before making a decision, while emphasizing that his main priority remains Santos.

In the 2025 season, Neymar finished the competition with a record of eight goals and one assist from 20 league matches.

He began to show greater consistency, something he had not experienced since the 2022-23 season, which was also his final campaign with Paris Saint-Germain.

Club President Reveals the Latest Developments in Contract Negotiations

Amid the uncertainty felt by the player, the club’s management has instead shown strong confidence that Neymar should extend his stay.

Teixeira emphasized that renewing Neymar’s contract is currently Santos’ main priority. He explained that everything depends on the club’s budget, which is adjusted to their financial capabilities.

According to him, discussions and negotiations are ongoing to find common ground, with the aim of adjusting Neymar’s contract through to 2026.

He also added that there is goodwill from all parties, both from Neymar himself, from NR as the company managing the player’s career, and from Santos.

This, he believes, represents a positive starting point, although adjustments are still needed to ensure that the agreement delivers balanced financial benefits for both sides.

Teixeira stressed that Santos are currently discussing several contract renewals, with the primary focus on Neymar, and that the club feels very optimistic.

He stated that the Neymar project is also linked to next year’s World Cup, meaning that the dialogue aims to ensure the player remains with the club.

Neymar’s World Cup Dream Remains at a Crossroads

Throughout his international career, Neymar has appeared in three World Cup editions with Brazil. 

At the 2014 tournament, he was the main highlight after scoring four goals before suffering an injury that ended his campaign prematurely.

Without his presence, Brazil were then eliminated by Germany in the semifinals through a crushing 7-1 defeat.

At the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, Neymar scored two goals in each tournament, but Brazil were once again eliminated at the quarterfinal stage. Now, at the age of 33, Neymar is considered to have passed his peak.

The injuries he has suffered in recent times have also reduced the agility and speed that once defined his style of play.

He certainly hopes to be part of Brazil’s squad at the 2026 World Cup, especially considering that the only international trophy he has ever won with the national team is the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.

However, Neymar has not represented Brazil since 2023. In addition, national team coach Carlo Ancelotti has many other options on the wings and in attack, such as Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Estevao, Matheus Cunha, Joao Pedro, and Raphinha.

The Next Steps for Neymar

For now, the main focus is on Neymar’s injury condition. The forward is scheduled to undergo minor surgery on his knee problem.

Reports state that the Brazilian legend will soon meet a physiotherapist nicknamed the “miracle doctor,” Eduardo Santos, in the hope of restoring his fitness optimally before the World Cup takes place.

Ancelotti has previously stated that he will not call up players who are not in one hundred percent physical condition and emphasized that he has no personal obligation to anyone when selecting Brazil’s squad for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Nevertheless, he also stated that Neymar will be considered if he is indeed deserving based on his performance and condition.