Neymar stays! Brazil star signs contract extension with Santos until end of 2025

Santos have reached an agreement with Neymar over a new deal after club president Marcelo Teixeira met the player's father on Tuesday to finalise the terms of the extension. Neymar's previous current contract with Santos was set to expire on June 30.

Earlier this week, the Santos president had already hinted at the possibility that they could tie Neymar down to a new contract, despite rumours that he was in talks with a few Champions League clubs in Europe. The new deal will include performance-based incentives, with payments tied to games played and goals scored. Neymar is expected to return to training on Friday with a new contract in hand.

Club president Marcelo Teixeira said: "This is a historic and significant day for Brazilian football, a gift for the fans of Santos FC. Our idol, our boy, the prince wearing our number 10 jersey remains. This is a very important moment in this rebuilding process and we needed Neymar, both on and off the field. The phrase 'I'm going, I'm coming back, I'm staying' is emblematic and fundamental for the repositioning of Santos FC to its rightful place."

The forward will be praying for an injury-free next few months, as he dreams of leading his nation at the 2026 World Cup to be held in North America. New Selecao manager Carlo Ancelotti has also send messages of empowerment to the Brazilian star, stating that he's counting on him and that he can play anywhere on the pitch.