Is Neymar playing in the 2026 World Cup? Santos contract extension explained | OneFootball

Neymar has extended his contract with Santos FC through the end of the 2026 season, a decision that directly aligns his club future with Brazil’s planning cycle for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The extension, made official on January 6, 2026, comes one year after Neymar’s return to Santos following an injury-disrupted spell in Saudi Arabia. While publicly framed as a continuation of a personal chapter, the timing of the agreement reflects a clear professional calculation: preserving continuity, minutes, and medical oversight ahead of a potential return to Brazil’s national team.

A Critical Season After a Complicated Return

Neymar’s 2025 season with Santos was uneven but consequential. Managed carefully due to recurring physical issues, he nonetheless played a decisive role late in the campaign, scoring five goals in the club’s final five league matches as Santos avoided relegation and finished 12th in Série A, securing qualification for the Copa Sudamericana.

Across all competitions, Neymar registered approximately a dozen goals in just over 30 appearances. His minutes were often controlled, but his impact remained evident — reinforcing his technical relevance even as questions about durability persisted.

Recovery Window and Competitive Timeline

In late December 2025, Neymar underwent a minor arthroscopic procedure on his left knee to address a meniscus issue. The knee is the same one affected by the ACL injury sustained in October 2023, which has sidelined him from Brazil’s national team for more than two years.

The procedure was considered low risk, with an estimated recovery period of around four weeks. By early January, Neymar had resumed light training with Santos, focusing on conditioning and load management. He is expected to miss the opening rounds of the Paulista state championship but is targeting full availability early in the national league calendar.

That timeline is central to his international outlook. Brazil’s World Cup squad planning is expected to intensify during the spring, with key decisions anticipated by May. For Neymar, the coming months represent a narrow but viable window to demonstrate sustained fitness and match readiness.

Where Brazil’s Coaching Staff Stands

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has been consistent in his public stance: national team selection will be based strictly on availability, fitness, and performance, without consideration for reputation or past achievements.

Neymar has not appeared for Brazil since October 2023, and he has yet to be included in a squad during Ancelotti’s tenure. Still, the pathway remains open — provided he can maintain health and contribute consistently at club level over an extended stretch.

What the Santos Extension Changes

By committing to Santos through 2026, Neymar removes several variables from the equation. The deal offers:

The extension effectively reframes his World Cup pursuit around a single factor: availability. There is no longer uncertainty surrounding club status or playing context, only performance and health.

The Stakes Heading Into 2026

At 33, turning 34 in February, Neymar faces increased competition within a Brazil squad that has evolved significantly in his absence. Depth in attacking positions has improved, and tolerance for injury risk has narrowed.

Any further setbacks could close the door on a World Cup return. Conversely, a stable run of matches at Santos would strengthen his case in a selection environment defined by pragmatism rather than sentiment.

The next phase will determine whether Neymar’s return to Santos stands as a symbolic homecoming — or becomes the platform for one final appearance on football’s biggest stage in 2026.