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

Key Highlights

• 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 TimelineIn 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. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe 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.