Neymar makes comeback at Santos amid uncertainty surrounding his long-term plans

Neymar is set to return to his home club Santos on Friday, with his contract nearing its end and uncertainty surrounding his future, particularly after hinting that he would no longer play for Brazil following the country's disappointing World Cup performance.

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His World Cup campaign was cut short, playing only 37 minutes across two matches, despite being included in the squad nearly three years after his last appearance for Brazil, and scoring just one goal, a penalty, which was not enough to prevent Brazil's early exit after a 2-1 loss to Norway in the Round of 16.

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A fan-created AI-generated video circulated on social media, showing a young Neymar encouraging his current self to pursue a sixth World Cup title with Brazil in 2030, prompting the country's all-time leading scorer to respond with three laughing/crying emojis.

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Neymar rejoined his boyhood club Santos in January 2025, after a stint with Saudi club Al-Hilal, and his contract is set to expire in December, after a year marked by injury, including left-knee surgery late last year.

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Despite his limited playing time, Neymar participated in only eight of the 19 matches Santos contested in the 2026 Brasileirao, the country's top football league, but still managed to score four goals and provide two assists, offering glimpses of his impressive form during his time at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

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The renewal of Neymar's contract with Santos is reportedly contingent upon the outcome of the club's board elections in December, according to a source, as current president Marcelo Teixeira, who facilitated Neymar's return, has not indicated whether he will seek re-election.

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A club official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the initial concern was whether Neymar would retire from football altogether, following his emotional reaction to Brazil's loss to Norway, where he was seen collapsing in tears after the final whistle.

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Neymar's father and agent, Neymar Santos Sr, has urged him to continue playing, saying "Son, keep playing football, feel the joy of having the ball at your feet again, smile on the pitch again, don't be afraid of tomorrow" in a letter released via an Instagram video, amid speculation about a potential permanent retirement.

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Media reports suggest that Neymar is considering continuing his career in the US Major League Soccer (MLS), with negotiations reportedly having taken place with FC Cincinnati, although they ultimately fell through.

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The MLS is home to several veteran stars, including Lionel Messi, who plays for Inter Miami, Frenchman Antoine Griezmann, who plays for Orlando City, and German Thomas Mueller, who plays for the Vancouver Whitecaps.