Neymar has acknowledged that stepping away from professional football at the end of 2026 remains a real possibility, following a prolonged battle with injuries. The veteran Brazil international is eager to feature for his country at this summer’s World Cup, but admits he cannot predict what the long-term future will hold — and retirement could ultimately be his decision.
Neymar underwent knee surgery in December 2025
Now 34, Neymar has found it increasingly challenging to stay fit and avoid time on the sidelines. He required further surgery in December 2025 to address a long-term knee issue, having previously missed almost an entire year due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
He has since returned to competitive action with Santos after moving back to South America and is once again enjoying his football. A contract extension has also been agreed that will keep him at the club through the end of the current calendar year.
Will Neymar retire at the end of 2026?
Regaining a place in the Brazil squad is the main objective for the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward, who has not represented the national team since October 2023. Any decision regarding how long he continues playing will be taken only after another attempt to finally lift the World Cup trophy.
Speaking to CazeTV, Neymar said:
"I don’t know what the future will be like for me. It’s possible that in December I might decide to retire. I’m taking things day by day. This year is extremely important — not only for Santos, but also for the Brazilian national team and for me personally."
Neymar confident that fitness has been rebuilt
The gifted playmaker also explained his efforts to regain full match sharpness and physical condition:
"My goal was to return at 100% this season, which is why I didn’t play every match. A lot of people talk without knowing what really happens day to day, but I have to deal with reality.
"Santos has created an excellent recovery plan for me. Of course, I wanted to be on the pitch helping my teammates, but I chose to rest so I could come back fully fit — without pain, without fear, and in top form.
"I came back well in the last game and I feel happy and relieved to be stronger than before. I still need to recover my rhythm, but with patience I’ll reach my best level. I’m taking everything step by step. I don’t know what the future brings; my instincts will decide. One day at a time."
Will Neymar make Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad?
Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals and has collected 128 caps since making his senior debut in 2010. Current head coach Carlo Ancelotti has urged the superstar to prove he deserves a role in his plans.
Former World Cup winner Kleberson, who lifted the trophy in 2002, believes Neymar must be included in Brazil’s squad this summer. He told GOAL when asked about the ongoing debate surrounding the iconic No.10:
"I really want to see Neymar at the World Cup. Right now, in terms of fitness, he is behind others because of the injuries and the lack of minutes over the last year.
"But the talent this player has is incredible. Once he starts to regain confidence and fitness, he can help the team a lot. He may not arrive at the tournament at full fitness, but as the competition progresses, he can still make a huge impact because he is the most talented player we have in Brazil. Others are performing well, but nobody can do what he can do with the ball.
"He needs to build fitness, play regularly and stay healthy. When I compare Brazilian players, there is no one like him. We can mention Vini Junior, Raphinha or Estevao, but Neymar’s ability makes him frightening to defend against. He is the closest player I have seen to Ronaldinho."
Brazil have been drawn into Group C at the 2026 World Cup. They will begin their campaign against Morocco at MetLife Stadium on June 13, before facing Haiti and Scotland in Philadelphia and Miami respectively.
