Neymar Hints at Possible Retirement Timeline Amid Injury and Career Uncertainty

February 21, 2026: Brazil star Neymar may retire at the end of this year. Neymar started his professional career in 2009 at the age of 17 with Santos FC. Now 34 years old, he is thinking about retiring at the end of this year. In an interview with a Brazilian online channel, he said he is unsure about his future and may decide to stop playing in December.

Neymar returned to Santos from Al Hilal SFC last year. He signed a contract that runs until the end of this year. He has suffered many injuries in recent seasons. Last December, he had knee surgery and missed the start of the new season. He returned to the field last week after more than two months out.

World Cup Dream Still Alive

Neymar wants to play for Brazil in the 2026 World Cup. To do that, he must first return to the national team. He has not played for Brazil national football team since October 2023 because of injuries.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has not selected him since taking charge. However, Ancelotti has said the door is still open. Neymar must regain full fitness to earn a place in the squad.

Neymar said he does not know what will happen next year. He wants to see what his heart tells him at the end of the season. He said this year is very important for him, Santos, and Brazil.

Recently, Neymar returned in Santos’ 6–0 win over Velo Clube in the Sao Paulo Championship. He did not score but helped the team reach the quarter-finals. Earlier, he played the final three matches of last season while injured to help Santos avoid relegation. After that, he had surgery on his left knee.

Neymar knows that if he wants to play in the 2026 World Cup, he must perform well for Santos and stay fit. He has called it a big challenge.

Neymar is Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 128 matches. He has won major titles in Europe, including La Liga and the Champions League with Barcelona, and league titles with PSG. He has played in three World Cups before.

The 2026 World Cup will begin on June 11 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Brazil will face Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland in Group C.