Neymar opened up on the emotional reason why he decided to sign a new Santos contract and extend his stay back in Brazil.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Neymar signs new Santos contract
• Revealed emotional reason behind deal
• Initially rejoined at start of 2025

• Table of Contents

  Toggle

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  After weeks of speculation over Neymar's future, the Brazil icon has finally penned a new contract with Santos. The 33-year-old's previous deal, which he signed in January, would have expired after June 30, but his new contract will now keep him at his boyhood club until the end of 2025.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  A new deal was agreed between Santos and Neymar after club president Marcelo Teixeira met the footballer's father on Tuesday. There were rumours of Neymar being targeted by a number of Champions League clubs last week, but he eventually decided to stay in his home country.

• WHAT NEYMAR SAID

  After putting pen to paper on a new deal, the player told Santos' official website: "I made a decision and I listened to my heart. Santos is not just my team, it is my home, my roots, my history and my life. Here I was a boy who became a man, and I am truly loved. Here I can be myself, truly happy. And it is here that I want to fulfil the dreams that are missing in my career. And nothing will stop me. I go, I come back and I stay. Where it all began and where it will never end."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR?

  The Selecao star will hope to remain injury-free for the rest of the year to get enough game time to impress Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star's ultimate dream remains to represent his nation for the fourth time in the World Cup in 2026.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News