Neymar has admitted 2026 could be his final year as a professional footballer, with the Brazilian star hinting that the World Cup is poised to be his last hurrah
The former PSG star – who made waves as a teenage prodigy in Brazil before joining Barcelona in a high-profile move – entered veteran status earlier this month as he celebrated his 34th birthday.
But the attacker has endured an injury-plagued thirties, with ankle, knee and hamstring problems blighting his playing time.
Neymar returned to boyhood club Santos in 2024 and his contract is due to expire in 2026.
When asked about his future plans by CazeTV via UOL, Neymar issued a sobering response.
‘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.
‘There’s this year, which is very important not only for Santos, but for the Brazilian national team, and for me as well.’
Neymar is hoping to make a late charge into Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for this summer’s World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada, although the national team boss has remained tight-lipped on the veteran’s chances.
Neymar admitted to ‘holding back’ since returning to first-team action in an effort to avoid further injury woes.
‘I wanted to return to playing this season at 100%, which is why I held back on some games. 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.
‘Obviously, I wanted to come back to help my team, but I ended up holding back to return at 100%, without pain, without fear, and without anything.
‘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. Obviously, I need to gain a little more rhythm, but it’s with perseverance that I will reach my 100%. I’ll live year by year. I don’t know what will happen from now on, it will be up to my heart. It’s one day at a time.’
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