Brazilian superstar Neymar has revealed that 2026 could mark the end of his professional football career, admitting he is taking things “year by year” as injuries continue to shape his future.
The former Paris Saint-Germain forward, who rose to global prominence as a teenage sensation in Brazil before sealing a blockbuster move to Barcelona, turned 34 earlier this month. However, his thirties have been heavily disrupted by recurring ankle, knee, and hamstring injuries.
Neymar returned to his boyhood club Santos in 2024, with his current contract set to expire in 2026. Speaking to CazeTV via UOL, the forward admitted retirement is a real possibility.
“I don’t know what will happen from now on. December could arrive and I might want to retire. I’m living year by year,” Neymar said. “This year is very important—not just for Santos, but for the Brazilian national team and for me as well.”
The attacker is hopeful of forcing his way into Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, though the national team coach has so far remained non-committal about Neymar’s prospects.
Neymar also explained that he deliberately limited his involvement after returning to first-team action in order to avoid further injuries. He said Santos had put a careful plan in place to ensure his full recovery.
“I wanted to come back at 100%, without pain or fear. I held back in some games, but I’ve returned better than before,” he said. “I still need more rhythm, but with perseverance I’ll get there. I’ll live year by year—what happens next will be up to my heart.”
Neymar’s remarks come amid wider discussions about player wellbeing in Brazilian football, following an emotional statement from former national teammate Philippe Coutinho, who recently left Vasco da Gama citing mental exhaustion and the need to prioritise his mental health.