Neymar could leave Santos and sign with Olympique de Marseille for the 2026 World Cup, according to a website

Neymar, star of Santos and the all-time leading scorer for the Brazilian national team, is in advanced negotiations with Olympique de Marseille, from France, to return to European football in 2026, aiming for the World Cup. The information, published by the Fichajes portal and echoed by outlets like Goal France, indicates that the 33-year-old player is seeking a more competitive environment to recover his physical and technical form after a below-expectations return to the Brazilian club in February 2025. Marseille, runner-up in Ligue 1 2024/2025, sees the star as an opportunity to strengthen the squad for the Champions League and rival PSG, Neymar’s former team. The possible transfer, which could occur starting in January 2026, when the player becomes a free agent, is stirring the market and reigniting debates about the number 10’s future. The decision reflects Neymar’s ambition to arrive at the 2026 World Cup in top form, in his last chance to win the title.

The news of Neymar’s possible departure from Santos generated significant repercussions among fans and experts. After a stint marked by injuries and criticism in Brazil, the player is seeking a new chapter in his career. Olympique de Marseille emerges as a strategic destination, combining competitiveness, visibility, and an ambitious project under coach Roberto De Zerbi.

Siga o Mix Vale no Google e veja nossas notícias primeiro

• Main motivation: Recover game rhythm to secure a spot in the Brazilian national team.
• Context at Santos: 2025 return did not meet expectations, with only four goals.
• Marseille’s bet: Club seeks Neymar’s leadership for European competitions.

Negotiations with Olympique de Marseille

Olympique de Marseille, according to sources close to the club, has initiated talks with Neymar’s staff to make the transfer viable. The French team, which finished the 2024/2025 Ligue 1 season in second place, secured a spot in the Champions League and plans to reinforce the squad with big names. Neymar, with his experience at clubs like Barcelona and PSG, is seen as a central piece to elevate the team’s level.

The historical rivalry with PSG, where Neymar played between 2017 and 2023, adds a symbolic component to the possible transfer. The French classic, known as Le Classique, would gain even more prominence with the Brazilian’s presence at Marseille. The club also bets on the commercial impact of the signing, which could attract sponsors and increase global visibility.

• Marseille’s history: Only French club to win the Champions League, in 1993.
• Current squad: Players like Mason Greenwood and Leonardo Balerdi strengthen the team.
• Playing style: De Zerbi’s offensive system values Neymar’s skills.
• Commercial impact: Signing could boost shirt and ticket sales.

The player, in turn, sees Marseille as an opportunity to play in a competitive league, with high-level opponents and exposure in Europe. Ligue 1, although less prestigious than the Premier League, offers a balance between physical demands and space for Neymar to shine, considering his injury history.

🚨 #Neymar de retour en Ligue 1… mais avec l’#OM ? 😳
Selon Fichajes, le Brésilien serait en discussion avec Marseille pour préparer le Mondial 2026 🇧🇷🔥
Supporters olympiens, vous y croyez ? 👀🔵⚪ #TeamOM pic.twitter.com/RVqfHTI3jP

— GOAL France 🇫🇷 (@GoalFrance) July 26, 2025

Challenges at Santos and relationship with fans

Neymar returned to Santos in February 2025, after a frustrated stint at Al-Hilal, in Saudi Arabia, where he faced physical problems, including a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2023. The expectation was that the star, revealed by the club in 2009, would lead a new era of achievements. However, the numbers were modest: in 16 matches, he scored four goals, only one with the ball in play, and provided three assists.

The relationship with the fans, initially marked by euphoria, deteriorated throughout the year. A notable episode occurred on July 22, 2025, after a 2-0 defeat to Internacional, when Neymar argued with a fan at Vila Belmiro. Dissatisfaction grew due to the perception of lack of commitment and recurring injuries, which limited his time on the field.

• Numbers at Santos: Four goals and three assists in 16 games in 2025.
• Recent injuries: Physical problems since 2023 affected performance.
• Tension with fans: Argument after defeat exposed relationship strain.
• Current contract: Link until December 2025 allows departure as free agent.

The contract renewal with Santos, signed in June 2025, was seen as a bet on Neymar’s recovery potential. However, the lack of results and pressure for performance in a less competitive calendar, like the Paulista Championship, led the player to consider options abroad.

Preparation for the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is Neymar’s main goal. At 33 years old, the player has already stated that it will be his last opportunity to win the world title, after unsuccessful participations in 2014, 2018, and 2022. To achieve this, he needs to recover physical form and game rhythm in a high-competitiveness environment.

At Santos, the restricted calendar, with a pause in the Brazilian Championship during the Club World Cup, limits Neymar’s chances to stand out. Ligue 1, with regular games against European-level teams, offers the ideal showcase to regain the trust of the Brazilian national team coach, Carlo Ancelotti. The coach has already indicated that Neymar will be called up only if he demonstrates regularity and full physical conditions.

• National team history: Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, with 79 goals in 128 games.
• Last chance: Neymar confirmed that 2026 will be his final World Cup.
• Competition: Young players like Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo vie for spots in the team.
• Ancelotti’s demand: Regularity is essential for call-up.

The possible transfer to Marseille is seen as a strategic step. In addition to visibility in the Champions League, the French league allows Neymar to face heavyweight opponents, like PSG and Monaco, while adapting to a playing style that values his creativity and skill.

Impact on Santos and Brazilian football

Neymar’s eventual departure would be a significant setback for Santos, which bet on the star’s return to reignite fan passion and attract investments. The club, which faced financial difficulties and the first relegation to Série B in its history, saw in the number 10 a chance for reconstruction. Neymar’s return generated record growth on social media and commercial gains, but on-field results did not match.

For Brazilian football, the transfer reignites the debate about the difficulty of retaining stars in national clubs. Even with the return to Santos, Neymar could not replicate the brilliance of his first stint, between 2009 and 2013, when he led the club to the 2011 Copa Libertadores title. The pursuit of a return to Europe reinforces the perception that the continent remains the main stage for elite players.

• Santos reconstruction: Club expected Neymar’s leadership in the Brazilian Championship.
• Commercial impact: Return boosted social media and sponsors.
• Brazilian football: Departure of stars reflects local clubs’ challenges.
• Neymar’s legacy: First stint marked an era with historic titles.

Reactions and perspectives in the European market

The possibility of Neymar at Olympique de Marseille generated varied reactions. French club fans are divided: some celebrate the arrival of a global star, while others fear that injuries and high salary pose a risk. In Brazil, the news reignited discussions about the player’s trajectory, with analysts pointing out that Ligue 1 is a logical destination for someone with his profile.

In addition to Marseille, other European clubs, such as Fenerbahçe and Aston Villa, have shown interest in Neymar, according to reports. However, Marseille’s project, with a guaranteed spot in the Champions League and an offensive playing style, seems the most aligned with the player’s goals. The transfer, if confirmed, would be a market milestone, reinforcing the French club’s ambition to compete among Europe’s giants.

• Reactions at Marseille: Fans divided between enthusiasm and concern.
• Other interested parties: Clubs like Fenerbahçe monitor the situation.
• Playing style: De Zerbi’s system favors dribbles and creativity.
• European visibility: Champions League increases call-up chances.

Next steps and Neymar’s future

While negotiations advance, Neymar has until the end of 2025 to define his future. The possibility of leaving as a free agent in January 2026 facilitates the transfer, but the player also evaluates other options, such as the MLS, where he has been speculated alongside former teammates like Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. The decision will be crucial for his World Cup preparation and the legacy of his career.

Olympique de Marseille, in turn, plans to use Neymar as the central piece of an ambitious project for the 2025/2026 season. The Brazilian’s arrival would be a market coup, capable of repositioning the club in the European scene and intensifying the rivalry with PSG. For Neymar, the challenge will be overcoming injuries and proving he can still shine on the world’s biggest football stages.