Will Neymar's Santos Deal Boost His World Cup Chances?

Neymar has extended his contract with Santos FC until the end of 2026, aiming for a return to the Brazil national team after a prolonged absence due to injuries. With 128 caps, he is second only to Cafu (142) in Brazil's history. Neymar's commitment to his boyhood club comes as he works to regain fitness and secure a spot in the World Cup squad for June 2026.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Neymar's recent decision to extend his contract with Santos signifies his dedication to both the club and his aspirations for international football. Despite not having played for Brazil since 2023 due to injuries, Neymar's performances with Santos, where he scored five crucial goals in the last five matches of the previous season, showcase his resilience. Following knee surgery earlier this year, he is focusing on regaining full fitness to impress Brazil's head coach Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the World Cup.

Key takeaways

Neymar has signed a contract extension with Santos until 2026.
He has not played for the Brazil national team since 2023 due to injury issues.
Brazil's World Cup campaign begins on 11 June 2026.
Neymar is determined to return to the national team under coach Carlo Ancelotti.
He is Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey of Neymar's recent career developments can be traced through significant milestones:

October 2023: Neymar ruptures his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), sidelining him for 12 months.
January 2025: Returns to Santos FC, his boyhood club.
2025 Season: Helps Santos avoid relegation by scoring five goals in the final matches of the season.
October 2025: Undergoes surgery to repair a damaged meniscus in his left knee.
October 2025: Neymar extends his contract with Santos until the end of 2026.
June 2026: Brazil is set to begin their World Cup campaign in a group that includes Scotland, Morocco, and Haiti.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Neymar's contract extension with Santos until 2026 has been confirmed, reinforcing his commitment to the club while he continues to recover from injuries. This move is strategic as he seeks to regain his place in the Brazil national team.

What was already established

Prior to his contract extension, Neymar was working to recover from a long-term knee injury that had kept him out of international selection. His last appearance for Brazil was in 2023, and he has since been vocal about his desire to return to international football and help Brazil in the upcoming World Cup.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Although Neymar's situation primarily impacts Brazilian football, his return to form could influence viewership and engagement for UK-based fans of international football, particularly during the World Cup. Major events like the World Cup often lead to increased spending on related merchandise, travel, and viewership in pubs and homes.

Businesses and jobs

The football industry in the UK, including merchandise sales and broadcasting rights, could see fluctuations in interest based on Neymar's performance and participation in the World Cup. His presence could drive viewership numbers, impacting advertising revenues for broadcasters and sponsorship opportunities for clubs.

Policy and regulation

While Neymar's contract extension does not directly impact UK policy, it reflects broader trends in the football industry regarding player contracts and recovery protocols. The management of player health and fitness is of increasing concern, and this case may influence discussions around player welfare regulations as the sport evolves.

Numbers that matter

142: Most caps for Brazil, held by Cafu.
128: Current caps for Neymar, making him the second-most capped Brazilian player.
79: Goals scored by Neymar, making him Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer.
5: Goals scored by Neymar in the last five matches of the previous season to help Santos avoid relegation.
11 June 2026: The start date for Brazil's World Cup campaign.

Definitions and jargon buster

ACL: Anterior cruciate ligament, a key ligament in the knee that is crucial for stability.
Meniscus: C-shaped cartilage in the knee that acts as a cushion between the shinbone and thighbone.
Cap: An appearance in a game for a national team.
World Cup: An international football competition contested by senior men's national teams of the members of FIFA.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Neymar will focus on his rehabilitation and training with Santos to regain full fitness. His performance in upcoming matches will be critical as he vies for a place in the Brazil squad for the World Cup.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the World Cup approaches, Neymar's fitness will be closely monitored. His past performances and current form will play a significant role in Brazil's squad selection process.

Signals to watch

Neymar's match fitness and performance in domestic league games.
Updates from Brazil's coaching staff regarding squad selections.
Any further health issues or injury setbacks that may arise.

Practical guidance

Do

Keep track of Neymar’s performances leading up to the World Cup.
Monitor updates from Santos regarding his fitness and match readiness.
Engage with football communities to discuss Neymar's potential return.

Don’t

Assume Neymar will automatically be selected for the World Cup without considering his fitness.
Neglect to follow Santos’ matches as they will impact his form.
Overlook the potential impact of injuries on his international career.

Checklist

Follow Santos FC’s match schedule for updates on Neymar's performance.
Stay informed about Brazil's squad announcements as the World Cup approaches.
Engage with analysts and pundits for insights on Neymar's fitness and form.
Consider how Neymar's return might influence your support for Brazil in the tournament.
Watch for injury updates that may affect his selection chances.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Neymar's commitment to Santos and his fitness recovery are promising, uncertainties remain. His previous injuries pose a risk for future performance, and any new injuries could jeopardise his chances of participating in the World Cup. Additionally, the decision-making process of Brazil's coaching staff may change as new players emerge or existing players improve, potentially impacting Neymar's selection.

Bottom line

Neymar's contract extension with Santos until 2026 reflects his dedication to both his club and aspirations for a return to the Brazilian national team. As he works on regaining fitness, all eyes will be on his performances in the upcoming season and their influence on his World Cup selection. The situation remains fluid, with various factors at play in determining his future.

FAQs

What is Neymar's current status with the Brazil national team?

Neymar has not played for the Brazil national team since 2023 due to injuries but is aiming for a recall ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

How many goals has Neymar scored for Brazil?

Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals, a record he continues to build upon.

When does the World Cup start for Brazil?

Brazil will begin their World Cup campaign on 11 June 2026, facing teams such as Scotland, Morocco, and Haiti in Group C.