馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Neymar returns to Santos with contract expiring and future uncertain
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Neymar has returned to his boyhood club Santos with only a few months remaining on his contract, raising questions about his future in football. This follows his indication that he might no longer play for Brazil after their World Cup disappointment. The injury-plagued player featured in only two matches at the World Cup, scoring one goal in Brazil's 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16. Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, responded to a fan-made video suggesting he chase a sixth World Cup title with laughing/crying emojis. He rejoined Santos in January 2025 from Saudi club Al-Hilal, and his contract is set to expire in December. After left-knee surgery, Neymar played in eight of Santos's 19 Brasileirao matches in 2026, scoring four goals and providing two assists. A source at Santos stated that contract renewal hinges on the club's board elections in December. Santos president Marcelo Teixeira, who facilitated Neymar's return, has not confirmed if he will seek re-election. Following Brazil's World Cup exit, Neymar had expressed that his international career was over, but his father and agent, Neymar Santos Sr, encouraged him to continue playing. Media reports suggest Neymar is considering a move to US Major League Soccer MLS, with previous negotiations with FC Cincinnati reportedly falling through. The MLS currently features veteran stars like Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann, and Thomas Mueller.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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