‘We Had Offers’ – Neymar’s Dad Speaks on Brazil Superstar’s Future at Santos as Contract Nears Expiry

Neymar’s Father Sheds Light on What’s Next as Santos Contract Winds Down

As the clock ticks down on Neymar Jr.’s current contract with Santos FC, speculation is intensifying around what lies ahead for the Brazilian superstar. With his deal approaching its expiration date and rumors swirling about potential suitors both in Brazil and abroad, Neymar’s father, Neymar Sr., has stepped forward to clarify the family’s intentions — and it’s clear that for now, Santos remains the preferred home.

In a recent interview shared via ESPN, Neymar Sr. opened up about the emotional and professional considerations shaping the decision about his son’s future. Despite reported interest from clubs across the globe, the message from the Neymar camp is grounded in loyalty, gratitude, and a focus on recovery.

A Return Rooted in Recovery and Redemption

Neymar’s dad

“I want him to stay,” Neymar Sr. said when asked about his son’s plans. “Santos, at that moment, opened the door for Neymar to recover. He needed to play. We knew about the minor injuries. It’s not just him — he was out for more than a year and a half.”

Indeed, Neymar’s return to Santos was more than a sentimental journey back to his boyhood club. It marked a crucial step in rebuilding his fitness and mental fortitude following a torrid run of injuries that had derailed his momentum at Al-Hilal. Neymar Sr. described the effort as more psychological than physical: “The biggest work was in his head. We know about his dream.”

The dream he refers to is, of course, Neymar’s continued ambition to perform at the highest level, possibly even representing Brazil again on the world stage. And that dream, at least for now, is taking shape on the familiar turf of Vila Belmiro.

‘He Is Living Here Again, Happy’

One of the strongest themes in Neymar Sr.’s comments is the comfort and happiness his son has found in returning to Santos. “Neymar is living here again, happy, close to his friends and family,” he emphasized. “Santos is the right environment for him to continue, but we have to make many situations viable.”

By “situations,” Neymar Sr. seems to mean more than just salary and playing time. It’s also about sustaining Neymar’s personal and brand identity. As one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, Neymar’s decisions have implications far beyond the pitch.

“Maintain his social and work life, but maintain the brand he built. Create this demand to achieve his goals,” his father explained. These aren’t just words from a parent — they’re reflections from someone who has long acted as a manager and spokesperson for one of Brazil’s biggest footballing icons.

‘We Had Offers’ – But Timing Is Everything

Despite the player’s contentment at Santos, Neymar Sr. confirmed what many had suspected: the offers are already coming in. “We had offers. Neymar was never left out of any window and he wouldn’t be left out of this one,” he stated.

Still, the Neymar camp isn’t rushing into anything. The 33-year-old attacker is being cautious, aiming for the right fit and timing. “We don’t accept it because he wants to recover a little more, to reach his ideal level,” said Neymar Sr., underscoring a key message: performance over prestige, readiness over reputation.

Even though Neymar’s form at Santos has shown flashes of brilliance reminiscent of his prime, the family appears united in the belief that he needs more time before making another high-profile move.

The Bigger Picture: Santos, Al-Hilal, and What Comes Next

It’s no secret that Neymar’s stint at Al-Hilal was far from ideal. The big-money move to the Saudi Pro League promised a new chapter, but injuries and adaptation issues plagued his time there. Ultimately, the club terminated his contract, leaving Neymar at a crossroads — physically worn and in need of a fresh start.

That fresh start came in the form of a return to Santos, where he was first thrust into the limelight as a teenager. The romance of the reunion isn’t lost on fans or pundits, but Neymar Sr. is quick to remind us that sentimentality alone isn’t enough.

“He is very intense, you can’t control him. He fought for the ball in the air the whole time. He is completely stable now. And we are very happy,” he said.

But whether that stability translates into a contract extension is still up in the air.

One More Game?

Santos v Botafogo – Brasileirao 2025 Neymar’s

All eyes are now on Thursday’s match away to Fortaleza. With the end of Neymar’s current deal looming, there is growing speculation that it could be his final game in a Santos shirt — at least in this current spell.

That said, Neymar’s father did not rule out staying. On the contrary, he made a strong case for why Santos might be the best place for the Brazilian star to continue his journey. “For the second half of the year we have a guy who is still concerned about getting better.”

It’s a subtle but powerful signal: Neymar is not done. Not physically, not mentally, and certainly not in terms of ambition.

Conclusion: Santos as the Sanctuary — For Now

Neymar Jr.’s career has been anything but conventional. From the dizzying heights of Barcelona’s MSN trio to the uncertain days in Paris and the ill-fated Saudi experiment, he’s seen the full spectrum of professional football.

Now, back where it all began, Neymar finds himself in a rare moment of pause — one where the noise is quieter, the stakes more personal, and the goals more introspective.

“Santos is the right environment,” said Neymar Sr. And maybe, just maybe, that’s exactly what Neymar needs.

Whether he signs a new deal or embarks on yet another high-stakes move, one thing’s clear: this chapter at Santos has already proven to be more than just a comeback. It’s a statement — and perhaps a new beginning.