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

Neymar, Santos star, is in advanced negotiations with Olympique de Marseille, from France, to return to European football before the 2026 World Cup. After a return below expectations to the Brazilian club in February 2025, the player faces criticism from the fans and is looking for a new challenge to regain his form and guarantee a place in the Brazilian team. The information, published by the Fichajes portal and shared by Goal France, points out that the French club sees the star as an opportunity to reinforce the squad and rival PSG, Neymar’s former team. The possible transfer shakes up the market and raises debates about the future of number 10.

The player, who renewed with Santos until December 2025, is going through a moment of uncertainty. His performance on the field did not meet expectations, with just four goals and three assists in 16 games. The fans, previously enthusiastic about his return, are now showing dissatisfaction, especially after episodes such as the argument with a fan after the defeat to Internacional.

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• Motivations for change: Neymar seeks greater competitiveness to reach the World Cup on a high.
• History at Santos: Return in 2025 did not bring the expected results, with injuries and criticism.
• European scene: Olympique de Marseille offers a showcase for high-level competitions.

Rumors heat up the transfer market

Speculation about Neymar’s departure from Santos gained strength with the publication of the Fichajes portal, which highlighted advanced conversationswith Olympique de Marseille. The French club, known for its passionate fans and historic rivalry with PSG, sees the Brazilian as a chance to raise the team’s level in Ligue 1 and European competitions. Neymar, who played for PSG between 2017 and 2023, knows the French championship well and could adapt quickly to the new club.

The possibility of returning to Europe is seen as strategic by the player’s staff. With the 2026 World Cup, which will be played in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as his main objective, Neymar needs to play in a competitive environment to regain his game rhythm and confidence. At Santos, the calendar restricted to the Campeonato Paulista in the first months of 2026 limits its opportunities to stand out before the tournament.

• History in Ligue 1: Neymar scored 118 goals in 173 games for PSG, being an idol despite his injuries.
• European interest: In addition to Marseille, other clubs in Europe are monitoring the player’s situation.
• Focus on the World Cup: The star has already declared that 2026 will be his last chance to win the World Cup.
• Contract with Santos: Contract until December allows departure as a free agent in January.

🚨 #Neymar from retour in Ligue 1… more avec l’#OM ? 😳
Selon Fichajes, the Brésilien will be in discussion with Marseille to prepare the Mondial 2026 🇧🇷🔥
Supporters olympiens, vous y croyez? 👀🔵⚪ #TeamOM pic.twitter.com/RVqfHTI3jP

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

Neymar’s trajectory and challenges at Santos

Neymar returned to Santos in February 2025, after a troubled spell at Al-Hilal, in Saudi Arabia, where he suffered from injuries, including a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in 2023. The expectation was that his return to the club that revealed him would bring back the star’s shine, but the results were modest. In 16 matches, he scored four goals, only one with a rolling ball, and accumulated three assists, numbers considered below expectations for a player of his caliber.

In addition to his performance on the field, Neymar faced tensions with the fans. A notable episode occurred after the 2-0 defeat to Internacional, on July 22, 2025, when the player argued with a fan in Vila Belmiro. The relationship, previously marked by idolatry, now divides opinions, with some Santos fans questioning the number 10’s commitment.

The contract renewed in June 2025, valid until the end of the year, opened space for speculation about its future. The proximity of the end of the contract facilitates a possible transfer, as Neymar will be able to negotiate as a free agent from January 2026.

Why Olympique de Marseille?

Olympique de Marseille appears as an attractive destination for several reasons. The club, which finished the 2024/2025 Ligue 1 season in second place, secured a place in the Champions League, offering Neymar the chance to compete in high-level competitions. Under the command of Roberto De Zerbi, the team adopts an offensive style of play, which can enhance the Brazilian’s characteristics, such as dribbling, vision of the game and decision-making ability.

Furthermore, the city of Marseille, with its vibrant atmosphere and passionate fans, could be a motivating environment for Neymar. The player, who has already faced the club as an opponent in the classics against PSG, knows the weight of the rivalry and the impact his arrival could have. The possible transfer is also seen as a marketing strategy for the club, which seeks to regain prominence on the European scene.

• Club history: Marseille is the only French team to win the Champions League, in 1993.
• Competitive squad: Names like Mason Greenwood and Leonardo Balerdi reinforce the team.
• Bet on Neymar: The club sees the star as a leader for the 2025/2026 season.
• Rivalry with PSG: Neymar’s arrival would be a symbolic blow against the former club.

Repercussion among fans and experts

The possibility of Neymar wearing the Olympique de Marseille shirt generated mixed reactions. On social media, fans of the French club are divided between their enthusiasm for the possible arrivalof a star and the concern about his injury history. In Brazil, the news reignited debates about the player’s trajectory, with some arguing that he needs a more competitive environment to prepare for the World Cup, while others criticize the decision to leave Santos so soon.

Analysts point out that a transfer to Ligue 1 would be a logical choice for Neymar. The French championship, although less popular than the Premier League or La Liga, offers a balance between competitiveness and less physical pressure, ideal for a 33-year-old player with a history of injuries. Furthermore, visibility in Europe could strengthen his candidacy for a place in the Brazilian team under the command of Carlo Ancelotti.

Preparing for the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup is Neymar’s biggest goal, who has already declared that it will be his last chance to win the world title. After participating in three editions (2014, 2018 and 2022) without success, the player is determined to reach the tournament in his best shape. At Santos, injuries and the reduced calendar make this objective difficult, which makes the move to a European club a strategic decision.

The Brazilian team, already qualified for the World Cup, has young talents such as Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo and Raphinha, and Neymar is looking to reintegrate into the group as a protagonist. Carlo Ancelotti, the team’s coach, has already signaled that he expects the star’s return, as long as he is in full physical condition. The possible transfer to Marseille could be the springboard Neymar needs to regain his place.

• Last chance: Neymar confirmedthat 2026 will be his last World Cup, at the age of 34.
• History in the national team: He is Brazil’s top scorer, with 79 goals in 128 games.
• Recent injuries: Physical problems have limited his participation since 2023.
• Ancelotti’s expectations: The coach demands regularity to call up Neymar.

Impact on Santos and Brazilian football

Neymar’s eventual departure would be a blow for Santos, who were betting on his return to rekindle the fans’ passion and attract sponsors. The club, which is going through a period of reconstruction after years of financial difficulties, expected the star to lead the team in the Brazilian Championship and the Paulista Championship. However, lack of results and criticism can accelerate your departure.

For Brazilian football, Neymar’s transfer reignites the debate about the ability of national clubs to retain great stars. Even with his return to Santos, the player was unable to replicate the performance of his first spell, between 2009 and 2013, when he became an idol. The possible move to Marseille reinforces the tendency of Brazilian players to seek Europe as the main stage for their careers.

Uncertain future and next steps

While negotiations with Olympique de Marseille progress, Neymar’s future remains undefined. The player has until the end of 2025 to decide whether he will remain at Santos, look for a new club in Europe or explore other options, such as MLS, where he has already been andspeculated alongside Messi and Suárez at Inter Miami. The decision will be crucial for his preparation for the World Cup and for the outcome of his career.

Olympique de Marseille, in turn, plans to reinforce the squad for the 2025/2026 season, and Neymar would be the centerpiece of an ambitious project. It remains to be seen whether the star will be able to overcome injuries and criticism to return to shine on one of the main stages of world football.