Brazil forward Neymar has said he might think about retiring by the end of this year, leaving his international future unclear as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches. The 34-year-old recently signed a new contract with his boyhood club Santos FC after coming back in January 2025.
Neymar was key in keeping Santos in the top league, scoring five goals in their last five games of the season, but ongoing injury issues keep casting doubt on his future.
Neymar, who just had knee surgery, said he’s taking his career one year at a time and isn’t sure what will happen after December. He said this year matters a lot, not just for Santos but also for the Brazilian national team, recognizing how important a World Cup year is.
Neymar is still Brazil’s top scorer ever with 79 goals, but he hasn’t played for the national team since October 2023. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear that he will pick only players who are fully fit for the tournament, which will take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States from June 11 to July 19.
