Brazilian football icon Neymar has openly admitted he is considering retirement at the conclusion of the current season, stating he is now "living year to year" as he targets a place in Brazil's squad for this summer's FIFA World Cup.
Injury Struggles and Uncertain Future
The 34-year-old forward, who rejoined his boyhood club Santos last year from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, has been plagued by persistent injury problems recently, including a significant knee issue that required surgical intervention. Despite these physical setbacks, Neymar remains under contract with Santos until the end of 2026, adding complexity to his future plans.
In a candid interview with Brazilian television channel Caze, Neymar expressed profound uncertainty about his career trajectory beyond this year. "I don't know what will happen from now on, I don't know about next year," he confessed. "It may be that when December comes, I'll want to retire. I'm living year to year now. We will see what my heart decides. It depends on what my heart says later in the year."
World Cup Ambitions Remain Strong
Neymar emphasised that this season holds immense importance, not only for Santos but also for the Brazilian national team and himself personally, as it coincides with a World Cup year. "This year is a very important year, not only for Santos, but also for the Brazilian national team, as it's a World Cup year, and for me too. I wanted to play this season totally 100 per cent," he declared.
Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 international appearances, Neymar has participated in three previous World Cup tournaments. However, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar has not featured for the five-time world champions since 2023 due to a succession of debilitating injuries.
Medical Intervention and Recovery
In December, Neymar underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his knee performed by Dr. Rodrigo Lasmar, the Brazilian national team's physician. Santos confirmed at the time that the procedure addressed a medial meniscus injury and that the athlete was recovering well post-operation.
Neymar has previously made public appeals to Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti, sharing a stage with singer Thiaguinho to issue a bold promise to the nation. "We are going to do everything possible, even the impossible, to bring this World Cup back to Brazil," the forward proclaimed. "In July, you can hold me accountable. Come on, Ancelotti, help us out, okay?"
Ancelotti's Conditional Recall
When questioned about Neymar's potential return to the national team setup, Ancelotti has maintained that the player must demonstrate full fitness to earn a recall for next summer's tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. "If Neymar deserves to be there, he'll be there," the Italian tactician stated following the World Cup draw.
Brazil has been drawn into Group C alongside Scotland, 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco, and Haiti, setting the stage for what could be Neymar's final international campaign should he secure selection and follow through with retirement considerations.
