Neymar issues major update on next move after avoiding relegation: 'My priority always goes to Santos'

Neymar and Santos FC did something many people thought was impossible. With a strong 3-0 win at home against Cruzeiro, the club managed to avoid relegation in the Brazilian league, Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A. After the match, Neymar provided a major update on his future plans. He expressed uncertainty about his next career move.

Speaking after the game, Neymar said he needed time before making any decision. The Brazilian star stated that he’ll rest for a few days and then decide on his future. “I do not know, really. I don’t know. I need some days now, I need to rest, disconnect then decide my future. For sure my priority always goes to Santos,” Neymar was quoted as saying by Fabrizio Romano on his social media.

Neymar, however, did confirm that his priority will always be his boyhood club Santos. Before rejoining Santos in 2025, Neymar played for Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal for two years. He was part of Paris Saint-Germain for six years from 2017 to 2023. He spent the best days of his professional career at Barcelona, where he played alongside Lionel Messi from 2013 to 2017.

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Neymar saves Santos from relegation

The final weeks of the season were extremely difficult for Santos. Every match felt like a final as they fought to stay alive in the league. Neymar, who returned after an injury break, helped the club avoid what would have been their second relegation in history. They were demoted once in 2023.

In the last three league games, Neymar scored once in a 3-0 win over Sport Recife, then registered a hat trick against Juventude in another 3-0 victory on Wednesday, and on Sunday he helped set up chances for his teammates.

Neymar had signed a contract extension in June this year, which will keep him at Santos until the end of 2025. But that date is getting closer, and both sides must now decide what happens after that. Santos would love to keep their biggest idol, but the final decision will depend on Neymar and what is best for him.

Neymar said he came back only to help his club because they were in danger of getting relegated. He also confirmed that he will undergo knee surgery and then take some time to rest before deciding what he wants to do next.

“I came for this, to try to help the best way I can. These have been tough weeks for me. I thank those who were with me to lift me up. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have played these matches because of these injuries, this knee problem. I need to rest and then we will have this knee surgery,” he said after the match as quoted by ESPN.