Football fans were left stunned as Neymar opened up about his fragile future in the sport. The 34-year-old Brazilian legend, in a raw exchange on Brazil’s ‘Cazé’ channel, floated the idea of retiring by December 2026, citing endless injury struggles.
Expressing deep uncertainty, he stated, ‘I don’t know what’s next. Not even next year. By December, I might choose to retire. I’m just taking it year by year.’ These words reflect a career overshadowed by physical frailties that have repeatedly halted his progress.
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, stakes couldn’t be higher. Neymar called it ‘a vital World Cup year for Brazil’s team and me personally.’ However, manager Carlo Ancelotti’s policy prioritizes fully fit squad members for the event spanning June 11 to July 19 in Canada, Mexico, and the US.
Neymar’s club form offers glimmers of hope. He recommitted to childhood club Santos last month after returning in January 2025, scoring five times in the last five outings to sustain their top-tier status. Fresh off knee surgery, his resilience shines, but absences from Brazil duty since October 2023—despite 79 record goals—loom large.
Debuting for Brazil in 2010 at 18, Neymar was the sport’s brightest prospect, dazzling with unmatched talent. Yet, injuries stole crucial seasons, propelling younger stars past him. Today, at this inflection point, the question persists: can Neymar conquer his body for one more hurrah, or is the curtain falling early on a storied career?