Has Neymar Renewed His Contract with Santos Until December 2025?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Neymar's contract now extends until December 2025.
- He has a strong emotional connection to Santos.
- Injury struggles have limited his playtime this year.
- Santos views Neymar as crucial for their future.
- His career achievements are notable in Brazilian football.
Rio De Janeiro, June 25 (NationPress) Neymar has officially renewed his contract with Santos until December 2025, as confirmed by the Brazilian Serie A club.
The 33-year-old forward, who previously played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, made his return to his childhood club in January on a six-month arrangement after leaving Al-Hilal of the Saudi Pro League.
As Brazil's leading goal-scorer, Neymar was rumored to be considering a switch to the Major League Soccer or a return to Europe before deciding to stay with Santos through the 2025 season.
"I made a decision and I listened to my heart," Neymar stated on the club's website. "Santos is not just my team, it is my home, my roots, my history and my life.
"Here I was a boy who became a man, and I am truly loved. Here I can be myself, truly happy. And it is here that I want to fulfill the dreams that are still missing in my career. And nothing will stop me. I go, I come back, and I stay where it all began and where it will never end."
Neymar made his professional debut for Santos in 2009 and has since played 243 matches for the club, netting 141 goals and assisting 69 times. However, injuries have kept him to only 12 appearances this year for the eight-time Brazilian Serie A champions.
"It is a historic and remarkable day for Brazilian football, a gift for the fans of Santos FC," said Santos president Marcelo Teixeira.
"Our idol, our boy, the prince with our number 10 shirt remains. It is a very important moment in this reconstruction process and we needed Neymar, both on and off the field."
Neymar has scored 79 goals in 128 matches for Brazil but has not played for the five-time World Cup winners since sustaining a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament against Uruguay in October 2023.