Family Business? Neymar's Father Takes Charge of His Santos Future
Neymar's father has taken on a leading role at Santos and already has plans for his son's future. Meanwhile, the Brazilian star has made some surprising comments about 2030.
Neymar has once again made headlines away from professional football. The Santos star missed a penalty during a Kings Cup Brazil match before joking about playing in the Kings League in 2030, while questions surrounding his future at the Brazilian club remain unanswered.
The 34-year-old attended the match between Furia, the team he co-owns with Cris Guedes, and Dibrados on Monday, November 9, in Guarulhos. During the first half, Neymar stepped onto the pitch to take the competition's special president's penalty.
The Brazilian deliberately struck the ball with his weaker left foot, but goalkeeper Luan Telles saved his effort. Fortunately for Neymar, Furia still secured a comfortable 7-3 victory, allowing him to return to the broadcast booth in good spirits.
Will Neymar Play in the Kings League?
During the broadcast, Neymar admitted he would love to participate in the competition created by Gerard Piqué, even suggesting when fans might finally see him on the pitch.
"I'd love to play in the Kings League one day. Is there room for me at Furia? I'm the president, so I'll play in 2030," he joked before imagining a team featuring several of his current Santos teammates.
His dream lineup included Philippe Coutinho, Gabigol, Arthur Melo, Everton Cebolinha, Rodinei and goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão. However, Neymar later acknowledged that playing in the Kings League would be complicated and that his immediate priority remains Santos. His comments about 2030 were lighthearted rather than an official announcement about his future.
Neymar's Father Wants Him to Stay
While Neymar enjoys his involvement in the Kings League, his father is working to secure his future at Santos. Neymar Sr., recently appointed as the club's chief executive, has made it clear that keeping his son at Vila Belmiro for the 2027 season is among his priorities.
"First and foremost, I need to keep Neymar happy. And if he's happy here, I can keep him here," the businessman explained in a video alongside club president Marcelo Teixeira.
Neymar Sr. also highlighted the work being done to strengthen the squad, including the arrivals of Arthur Melo and Philippe Coutinho. His goal is to build a competitive project capable of retaining key players while attracting new sponsors and increasing the club's commercial revenue.
What Will Happen to Neymar in 2027?
Neymar's contract with Santos expires on December 31, 2026, and an extension has yet to be officially confirmed. The club's presidential election, scheduled for December 12, could also influence the negotiations and the direction of the sporting project.
Meanwhile, Santos sits ninth in the Brazilian Serie A standings with 47 points, still hoping to qualify for next season's Copa Libertadores. Securing continental football would represent an important boost to the club's sporting ambitions and financial outlook.
After missing his most recent league matches through suspension, Neymar is expected to return following the November international break. His performances during the final stretch of the season, along with decisions made by the club's leadership, could prove decisive in determining whether he remains at Santos beyond 2026.
What's Next for Neymar?
- Kings League: Missed a penalty for Furia and joked about playing in the competition in 2030 alongside several Santos teammates.
- Contract extension: His father, now a senior executive at Santos, wants to keep him at the club for the 2027 season.
- Uncertain future: Neymar's current deal expires on December 31, 2026, and no extension has been officially announced.
