Neymar has revealed that this year could mark the end of his professional football career, with the Brazilian icon suggesting the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada might serve as his final appearance on the global stage.
The former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona forward, who turned 34 earlier this month, spoke candidly about his uncertain future in an interview with CazeTV via UOL.
“I don’t know what will happen from now on. It could be that December arrives and I want to retire. I’m living year by year,” Neymar said.
The Santos attacker, whose contract expires this year, described 2026 as crucial for both his club and the national team.
The attacker’s thirties have been marred by persistent physical setbacks, with problems affecting his ankle, knee and hamstring severely limiting his time on the pitch.
Neymar made his return to Santos, the club where he first emerged as a teenage sensation, back in 2024.
Since resuming first-team duties, the forward has acknowledged taking a measured approach to his comeback.
Neymar has struggled with his fitness during his second spell at Santos
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GETTY“I wanted to return to playing this season at 100 per cent, which is why I held back on some games,” he explained.
“I know a lot of people talk nonsense and don’t know what it’s like day-to-day, but I have to endure it. Santos made a very good plan in this regard.”
The 34-year-old remains hopeful of securing a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for this summer’s tournament, though Brazil’s head coach has not indicated whether the veteran will feature in his plans.
Neymar could yet feature for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup | PA
Neymar expressed satisfaction with his recent return to action, noting he felt better than before despite needing more match time.
“I managed to come back very well in this last game. I’m happy and calm to have returned a little better than I was before,” he stated.
“Obviously, I need to gain a little more rhythm, but it’s with perseverance that I will reach my 100 per cent.”
The forward added that his future would ultimately be guided by his heart, taking things one day at a time.
Neymar’s reflections on his career come amid a turbulent period for Brazilian football veterans, with his former national team colleague Philippe Coutinho having recently departed Vasco da Gama in dramatic fashion.
Neymar is widely considered one of the best players of his generation
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GETTYCoutinho announced his exit from the Rio de Janeiro club through an emotional social media statement, revealing he was “mentally exhausted” and needed to prioritise his wellbeing.
“I’ve always been very reserved, so saying this here isn’t easy, but I need to be honest,” the midfielder wrote on Instagram.
Despite contributing seven goals across 28 appearances this season, Coutinho felt compelled to step away, describing his decision to end the chapter at Vasco as one made with a heavy heart.
What the future holds for him remains to be seen.
