Brazilian football icon Neymar has hinted that he may step away from professional football by the end of 2026 saying “I don’t know what the future holds for me. It’s possible that in December I’ll want to retire.” As he continues to recover from recurring injuries and focuses on making a final push for the World Cup, he admitted that though the future remains uncertain, this year is crucial for both his club and the national side.
The 34-year-old forward, who recently returned to Santos after stints with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, said he is taking things “one day at a time.” Neymar underwent knee surgery in December 2025 after struggling with a long-term injury that had earlier ruled him out for an entire season due to an ACL tear.
His contract with Santos now runs until the end of this year, with Santos following a careful recovery plan, which meant missing a few matches to avoid setbacks. “I wanted to come back at 100% this season, which is why I was rested for some matches” he says, while accepting that regaining match rhythm will take time.
Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals, Neymar has not played for the national team since October 2023. A return to the FIFA World Cup 2026 remains his biggest goal, with head coach Carlo Ancelotti reportedly tracking his progress closely.
Brazil begin their World Cup campaign in June against Morocco, followed by group matches against Haiti and Scotland. For now, Neymar’s priority is simple — stay fit, regain form, and see where his instincts lead him next.