Is Neymar on the verge of another shock transfer? Recent rumors had football fans buzzing about a potential move to Fluminense, but hold on – the club president himself has just slammed the door shut with a surprisingly forceful denial!
Getty Images Sport
Nov 13, 2025 23:59+01:00
Mario Bittencourt, the president of Fluminense, has taken to social media platform X to quash swirling rumors linking the Brazilian superstar Neymar to his club. In a bold statement, he categorically denied that Fluminense had made any approach whatsoever for the Santos player. This comes after weeks of speculation fueled, ironically, by comments from within Fluminense itself. But here's where it gets controversial...
Neymar's Tangled Web of Connections to Fluminense
The initial spark came from Nilton Petrone, also known as File, Fluminense's head of physiotherapy. During an appearance on the Setor Sul Podcast, File referred to Neymar as the "last genius of Brazilian football," a seemingly innocent comment that ignited a firestorm. Adding fuel to the flames, reports surfaced that Thiago Silva, the veteran defender and long-time teammate of Neymar on the Brazilian national team, was actively urging Fluminense to make a move for his close friend. (https://www.goal.com/en/lists/neymar-santos-escape-route-lionel-messi-inter-miami-transfer-psg-chelsea-legend-thiago-silva/blt28bd7c66743481ab)
And this is the part most people miss: this isn't the first time Neymar has been linked with Fluminense. Just months prior, a short-term deal was reportedly on the table for Neymar to play with the club during the Club World Cup. President Bittencourt even claims to have agreed to the idea with Fluminense's then-coach, Renato Gaucho. Neymar himself admitted that the loan "almost happened," but ultimately, after consulting with his father and agent, he chose to remain at Santos to focus on his recovery from injury. It highlights just how close he was to joining them.
In an interview during the tournament, the 33-year-old Neymar stated: “I was having these conversations with some teams to play the World Cup. Fluminense was something that came very close to happening, but I preferred to stay and train more to come back even better.”
Fluminense President's Strong Denial
Bittencourt's official statement reads: "Regarding Neymar, I clarify that there has been no recent contact between Fluminense and the player, or his staff. Fluminense has immense respect for Santos and, obviously, the club and the player are 100% dedicated to winning the remaining games in the Brazilian Championship."
Neymar's Struggles and Santos' Plight
Neymar's return to Santos followed a difficult period with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. His time there was marred by persistent injuries, limiting him to just seven appearances despite his lucrative contract. The move back to Santos at the beginning of 2025 was intended to boost his chances of making Brazil's squad for the World Cup next summer. However, recurring injury problems and a noticeable dip in form have made that goal increasingly unlikely. In 25 appearances for Peixe (Santos' nickname) since his return, Neymar has managed six goals and three assists. Worryingly, he hasn't found the net since scoring twice against Juventude in August. To make matters worse, Santos are currently battling relegation in Brazil's Serie A, sitting in the relegation zone with only six games remaining. What does this mean for Neymar's future?
Getty Images Sport
Contract Uncertainty and Future Possibilities
Neymar's current contract with Santos runs until the end of 2025, following a six-month extension signed in June. There's an option for a further six-month extension beyond that. Santos' president, Marcelo Teixeira, has publicly praised Neymar's positive impact on the club's revenue and global reach. However, if Santos are relegated from the top division, any extension becomes highly improbable. Given the existing links between Neymar and Fluminense, it seems plausible that a market for his services would emerge if he decides to leave Santos. As long as this "genius" retains the desire to play and represent his country, there will likely always be a club willing to gamble on his undeniable talent. But is that gamble worth it? Could Fluminense be regretting not pursuing the transfer more aggressively, or is Bittencourt right to prioritize the club's current stability? Let us know what you think in the comments below! Do you believe Neymar still has what it takes to compete at the highest level, or is his career on a downward spiral?
