Could one of soccer’s biggest icons be facing an uncertain future yet again? The whispers around Neymar Jr.’s long-term role at Santos have grown louder following his latest injury setback. After a brief and emotional return to his boyhood club, the Brazilian superstar finds himself back on the treatment table—leaving many to wonder whether his journey home is already nearing its end.
But as the speculation swirls, Santos president Marcelo Teixeira has stepped forward, casting light on the club’s vision for Neymar’s future. His remarks paint a more layered picture—one that stretches beyond immediate performance and delves into legacy, potential, and rehabilitation.
The Brazilian’s return to Santos in January 2025 was one of soccer’s most romantic narratives. After a turbulent, injury-riddled spell at Al-Hilal—where he managed only seven games over 18 months—the 33-year-old star was granted a fresh start at the club where it all began.
In his first few games, the veteran offered glimpses of his former brilliance, netting three goals and providing three assists in just seven appearances, helping Santos reach the Paulista semi-finals. But just as fans were starting to dream again, a hamstring injury struck. And then came another cruel blow: after six weeks out, the veteran superstar returned only to leave the pitch in tears against Atletico Mineiro—having re-injured the same muscle in the first half.
What did Santos’ president say?
Speaking to TV Globo, Teixeira didn’t shy away from addressing the concern. “There is no benefit to [Neymar’s injury],” he admitted. “There is a project, this work is independent of him playing. We really need to analyse and calculate the project, the continuity, the gains and the benefits of Neymar staying.”
Yet despite the injury cloud, Santos is not ready to close the book on Neymar. Teixeira revealed the club is actively discussing an extension, eyeing a deal that could see him stay until the 2026 World Cup.
“Based on what we’ve been discussing, there’s a very good chance that, if he wants to and Santos wants to, we’ll renew our contract once again—with a view to staying until next year’s World Cup,” Teixeira explained. “This is the main project, for six months, and with the viability that, with this situation and everything that’s happening, the chance of renewing our contract is very good.”
Change in strategy: From personal hands to club control
Perhaps the most significant shift in Neymar’s saga has come behind the scenes. Initially, Neymar’s injury recovery was managed solely by his personal medical team. But after re-aggravating the same injury within two matches, Santos has now taken control.
According to UOL Esportes, the club’s medical staff will now oversee his rehabilitation, and Neymar has agreed to undergo double training sessions and report regularly to the training center—even on off days. One of those days was this past Monday, when Neymar showed up voluntarily to work on his recovery while the rest of the squad rested.
This commitment suggests Neymar isn’t just going through the motions—he wants to play. And play well. The underlying goal of this entire Santos-Neymar project appears clear: one last dance on the world stage at the 2026 World Cup. Neymar hasn’t featured for the Brazil national team since October 2023, and time is ticking. But the Peixe still believe in his ability to get there.
“We always want to count on Neymar. He has been doing this strengthening work. We hope that in this progress there will be the possibility of him returning,” Teixeira said.
