'This Decision Came From the Heart' - Neymar Speaks After Extending Stay at Boyhood Club

Neymar is one of the richest footballers.

'This Decision Came From the Heart' - Neymar Speaks After Extending Stay at Boyhood Club

Abigael Wafula 08:15 - 25.06.2025

Neymar has broken his silence after snubbing European clubs to extend his stay at his boyhood club.

Brazilian football legend Neymar has renewed his contract with Santos FC, extending his stay at his boyhood club until December.

The 33-year-old rejoined Santos in January on a short-term deal following his departure from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.

Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, boasts an impressive record with Santos, having tallied 141 goals and 69 assists in 243 matches across his career.

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Despite rumors of a potential return to European football, he opted to extend his stay in Brazil, with the new contract running until the end of the Serie A season and including an option for a further extension.

Neymar Breaks Silence

Neymar renews contract
Neymar in action for Santos || Imago

"This decision came from the heart. Santos is more than just a team; it’s my home, my roots, where my story began. Here, I grew up, and the love I feel here is immense. I can be my true self, genuinely happy," Neymar explained.

"I want to achieve the remaining dreams I have in my career right here, and nothing will stop me. I may leave, I may return, but I always remain. This is where it all started, and it’s where it will never end."

On his oart, Santos president Marcelo Teixeira said it was a historic and remarkable day for Brazilian football, describing it as a gift for the fans of Santos FC.

He stated that their idol, their boy, the prince with the number 10 shirt, was staying with the club. Teixeira added that it was a very important moment in the club's reconstruction process, and they needed Neymar both on and off the field.

"Our idol, our homegrown star, the prince wearing our number 10 shirt, is staying. This is a crucial moment in our rebuilding process, and we need Neymar both on and off the pitch. His words, ‘I go, I come back, I stay,’ perfectly capture the spirit of Santos FC’s resurgence," he added.

Neymar returned to the national team setup in March after a 17-month absence but has not played since October 2023 due to a knee injury sustained against Uruguay. Neymar missed Brazil's World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.