São Paulo: Brazil striker Neymar has admitted he could retire by the end of the year, despite recently extending his contract with his boyhood club Santos FC.
The 34-year-old forward returned to Santos in January 2025 and played a pivotal role in ensuring the club’s survival in Brazil’s top flight. He ended the campaign in strong form, scoring five goals in his final five matches.
The player’s resurgence prompted hopes of a late-career revival, with observers wishing for one last defining chapter in what has been a career marked by brilliance and setbacks.
However, Neymar’s recent seasons have been disrupted by recurring injuries, casting doubt over his long-term future. Speaking to an online channel, the player acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his plans.
“I don’t know what will happen from now on, I don’t know about next year. It may be that when December comes, I’ll want to retire. I’m living year to year now,” the striker stated.
Neymar added that, “This year is a very important year, not only for Santos, but also for the Brazilian national team, as it’s a World Cup year, and for me too.”
The striker recently underwent successful knee surgery and continues his recovery. Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals, but has not played for the national team since October 2023.
His participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup remains uncertain. Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has repeatedly stated over the past year that only players who are fully fit will be selected for the tournament.
The World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, meaning Neymar’s hopes of featuring will depend entirely on his fitness and form in the months ahead.
Brazil have been drawn into Group C for the 2026 World Cup and will begin their campaign against Morocco at MetLife Stadium on June 13. They will then take on Haiti in Philadelphia before concluding their group-stage fixtures against Scotland in Miami as they pursue another world title.
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