Daijiworld Media Network - Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro, May 3: Santos FC president Marcelo Teixeira has revealed that the club is actively working to extend Neymar’s contract until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the star forward's persistent injury issues.

Neymar, 33, rejoined his boyhood club in January on a six-month deal after a long career in Europe followed by a brief stint in Saudi Arabia. Since his return, he has featured in just nine matches, scoring three goals and registering three assists, as he continues to grapple with recurring leg muscle injuries stemming from a major knee issue that kept him sidelined for over a year.

“We’re trying to create the right technical conditions to support Neymar’s recovery and ensure he’s back on the pitch,” Teixeira told reporters. “If we do that, we increase the possibility of him extending his stay through the World Cup. He’s happy here. This is his home.”

Santos, currently struggling in 19th place in the Brazilian Serie A with just four points from six matches, recently appointed Cleber Xavier, a former Brazil assistant coach, as head coach following the departure of Pedro Caixinha.

In his first press conference, Xavier addressed Neymar's role on the pitch, hinting at a shift in playing position.

“Although Neymar gained fame on the left wing at Barcelona and for Brazil, he's now more suited to a central attacking midfield role,” Xavier explained. “As Tite once said, Neymar is both the bow and the arrow — he sets up the play and also finishes it. That’s the vision we have for him at Santos.”

Santos hopes that keeping Neymar involved and happy at the club will not only aid his recovery but also make a World Cup run with Brazil in 2026 a realistic goal.