Neymar Future at Santos in Doubt Amid Injuries and Contract Uncertainty

Neymar short stint at Santos is under review as he has played just 9 matches in 3 months. His contract expires June 30, and with another injury setback, club president Marcelo Teixeira is reconsidering renewal. Interim coach César Sampaio remains hopeful, but Neymar may not feature again this season as Santos battles relegation fears.

After the recent dismissal of Pedro Caixinha and Jorge Sampaoli’s refusal to return, Santos FC has been navigating a turbulent period, both on and off the pitch. Their most recent loss to São Paulo has added to their woes, especially as it marked the first game without Neymar, who suffered yet another muscle injury during his 100th appearance. This injury could sideline him for the rest of the season, casting serious doubts over his future at the club.

Neymar had returned to Santos on a free transfer after terminating his deal with Al-Hilal, hoping to regain form and secure a move back to Europe ahead of the 2026 World Cup. However, his impact has been minimal, with only nine appearances in nearly three months. As the club struggles to avoid relegation, President Marcelo Teixeira has publicly questioned whether renewing Neymar’s contract beyond June 30 is the right decision.

Despite the setbacks, interim coach César Sampaio remains optimistic, noting Neymar’s continued strength training and hinting at a possible return. However, if Neymar doesn’t play again this season, his comeback could be seen as a failed gamble, one that started with huge expectations and has, so far, delivered little.