KEY POINTS
- Brazil’s all-time top scorer Neymar admitted he may retire from football by December 2026.
- The 34-year-old forward currently plays for his childhood club Santos after returning to Brazil last year.
- Neymar remains focused on regaining peak fitness to secure a spot in Brazil’s upcoming World Cup squad.
Brazilian football icon Neymar has sparked global discussion regarding the final chapter of his illustrious career. The veteran attacker revealed that he might hang up his boots by the end of 2026. Speaking in a recent interview, the 34-year-old explained that he now approaches his professional future on a yearly basis. He admitted uncertainty about his motivations once the current calendar year concludes.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star returned to his boyhood club Santos in January 2025. His homecoming proved vital as he helped the team avoid relegation from the Brazilian top flight. Neymar scored five goals in the final five matches of the previous campaign to secure their safety. Despite this success, a series of persistent injuries continue to hinder his consistency on the pitch.
Neymar recently underwent successful knee surgery following a long-standing issue that limited his playing time. He has struggled with various physical setbacks since his last appearance for the national team in October 2023. The forward emphasized that he is working closely with Santos on a specialized recovery plan. He chose to rest during several recent matches to ensure a return at full strength.
The timing of his potential retirement aligns with the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Neymar described the current year as a pivotal moment for his club, his country, and himself personally. He expressed a deep desire to represent Brazil one final time on the world stage this summer. However, his inclusion in the squad remains far from guaranteed.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has maintained a strict policy regarding player selection for the tournament. Ancelotti stated repeatedly that he will only consider athletes who demonstrate total match fitness. As the record goalscorer for the Seleção with 79 goals, Neymar faces a race against time. He must prove his physical readiness during the domestic season to earn a recall.
The forward noted that he wants to play without the fear or pain that characterized recent seasons. He dismissed external criticism regarding his pace of recovery, stating that only he understands his daily physical reality. Neymar believes that with continued perseverance, he can reach the 100% fitness level required for international competition. He remains determined to help Santos while pursuing his final international ambitions.
If Neymar chooses to retire in December, it would mark the end of a transformative era for Brazilian soccer. His career has spanned nearly two decades and multiple continents. For now, the player remains focused on the immediate tasks at hand in South America. He intends to let his instincts and physical condition dictate his eventual decision at year’s end.
