Last international match in 2023
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This article appeared on Transfermarkt in its first version on January 1st. at 12:05 p.m. and was updated after official confirmation.
Brazilian superstar Neymar will be preparing for a possible participation in the 2026 World Cup with his hometown club FC Santos. The 33-year-old has extended his expiring contract until the end of 2026. There was an official confirmation from the traditional Brazilian club on Wednesday night. Fabrizio Romano had previously reported on corresponding plans.
In January 2025, Neymar returned to his youth club Santos after eleven and a half years after they were promoted back to the Série A. The offensive player came from the Saudi club Al-Hilal on a free transfer and signed a contract until the summer, which he extended again by six months in June. In the past season, which is played in Brazil during the calendar year, Neymar was involved in 15 goals in 30 games and Santos secured relegation with twelfth place.
Neymar was also prone to injuries at Santos. The most expensive player in football history was missing his club for a total of 19 games in 2025. He is currently recovering from knee surgery. Neymar’s focus is on the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. “We will do everything possible – and even the impossible – to bring the World Cup to Brazil. You can judge me by that in July. Hey Ancelotti, help us! If we reach the final… I promise I will score a goal,” he was quoted as saying by Romano shortly before Christmas. Brazil’s record goalscorer played his last international match in October 2023.