In a heartfelt revelation, Neymar Jr. has admitted he’s contemplating life after football, potentially hanging up his boots by December 2026. The Brazilian maestro, battered by a string of injuries, shared his uncertainties during a Friday interview on the ‘Cazé’ online platform.
‘I’m living year by year right now,’ he said. ‘I have no idea about the future. Come December, retirement might be on my mind.’ This stark admission paints a picture of a player grappling with the physical demands of the game after years of setbacks.
The timing is crucial with the 2026 World Cup looming large. ‘It’s a World Cup year—essential for Brazil and myself,’ Neymar noted. But national team boss Carlo Ancelotti’s stance is firm: only peak-condition athletes will be selected. The global showpiece kicks off June 11 in North America.
At 34, Neymar made headlines by renewing ties with Santos last month, rejoining in January 2025. His impact was immediate, netting five goals in five closing games to bolster their league standing. A knee surgery earlier this year went well, but his injury history remains a shadow. Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals, he hasn’t donned the national jersey since October 2023, fueling speculation about his World Cup involvement.
From his debut in 2010 as an 18-year-old prodigy, Neymar captivated the world with extraordinary flair. Peaks of brilliance defined his path, yet chronic injuries derailed momentum, letting juniors leapfrog him. As speculation swirls, Neymar’s career crossroads could redefine his legacy—retirement whispers or a defiant final chapter?