Neymar sets his sights on 2026 World Cup with Brazil after Santos return as he insists he would be willing to play anywhere for his boyhood club - even as a defensive midfielder

The Brazil icon finally completed his much-hyped Santos comeback as the player was unveiled in front of a sea of fans on Friday. After making an emotional move back to his homeland, Neymar vowed to win everything including the 2026 World Cup with the Selecao. He also clarified that he is willing to play in any position, such is his enthusiasm to help the club, including defensive midfield.

After formally signing for the Brazilian giants, Neymar interacted with the media in a press conference where he said: "I’m a competitive guy. I want to win everything I do that involves competition. I’m returning to Santos wanting to be champion again. It’s a comeback after 13 years, and winning a Paulista that I’ve won three times, winning again will be different. I have this fire to win in my blood. You know how competitive I am. I didn’t come here to hang out, I didn’t come here to sit at home on the couch.

"I came here to find my happiness in playing soccer and helping Santos. I’m going to dedicate myself to making the Santos fans happy and making myself happy. Being there at Vila Belmiro, it’s impossible not to be happy."

He added: "I have been away from the pitch for a long time, I played two games for Al-Hilal after my injury. I can play anywhere. I have perfected the position of number 10 over the years, since I played in this position at PSG. It will depend on the coach, whether it is on the wing, number 9, as a defensive midfielder, whatever he wants."

On his international future, he added: "Obviously, the national team is something I want to return to. I still have something to achieve (the World Cup), a mission that I think is my last, so I'm going to go after it no matter what. I have goals."

On Saturday, the player shared photographs from his unveiling ceremony at Santos on Instagram and wrote in the caption: "I'm living a dream and I don't want to wake up."

The 32-year-old is expected to join the team's training on Monday. Manager Pedro Caixinha will assess the condition of the star winger before deciding when he could take the field for Santos.