Football legend Neymar has opened up about his future as uncertainty grows following a dramatic and exhausting season with Santos FC.
Softfootball understands that the 33-year-old star, whose contract expires at the end of December, has been at the centre of a rollercoaster year. He returned from injury just in time to help drag Santos away from relegation danger, yet his long-term future at the club remains completely unclear.
Neymar rejoined his boyhood team in January 2025 after his spell with Al-Hilal, hoping to revive both his form and his connection to the club that made him. But injuries kept interrupting his rhythm, especially a meniscus problem that almost ruled him out for the rest of the year.
Still, on December 2, he stepped on the pitch against Sport Recife, playing through real discomfort. He scored one goal and delivered an assist in a crucial win, a performance that sparked talk of a possible fairytale continuation at Santos and even revived whispers about his 2026 World Cup hopes, claims that Carlo Ancellotti backed in an earlier interview.
Despite that heroic night, contract talks have stalled again. Reports close to softfootball say Santos officials remain cautious, worried about his physical reliability and the financial weight of a renewal. However, as revealed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano via his official X account, Neymar tried to express his loyalty.
Fabrizio Posted:
Neymar on his future with contract at Santos due to expire in few weeks after he saved the club from relegation…
I do not know, really. I don’t know. I need some days now, I need to rest, disconnect then decide my future. For sure my PRIORITY always goes to Santos.
His legacy at the club is not in question. Neymar has produced 141 goals and 69 assists in 243 appearances, numbers few players in Brazil’s history can match. Even Zico the Legend also hailed the Brazilian’s undeniable ability.
But with Santos preparing for a rebuild, the timing may be working against him. At the same time, rumours around a move to Inter Miami continue to grow, fuelled by the possibility of reuniting with Lionel Messi.
Brazil’s all-time top scorer is still outside Carlo Ancelotti’s national team plans, with the coach saying only, “Neymar has to be at 100%.”
With just two matches left in the season and no clear decision made, Neymar stands at a genuine crossroads, caught between ambition, legacy, and the reality of time catching up.
