Former Brazil captain Neymar has mentioned contemplating retirement by year-end due to ongoing injury struggles, although he aims to participate in the upcoming World Cup. The striker, formerly with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, made a return to Santos, his childhood club, in January 2025 following a stint at Saudi club Al-Hilal.
Despite extending his contract until 2026 after a disrupted initial season, Neymar faced setbacks at the start of the Brazilian season in January due to knee surgery in late December. Expressing uncertainty about his future, he acknowledged the possibility of retirement by December, emphasizing his current approach of taking things year by year.
Having made a comeback as a substitute in a Sao Paulo championship game on February 16, shortly after turning 34, Neymar prioritized returning at full strength to aid his team effectively. As Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer with 79 goals, surpassing Pele by two goals, Neymar has been sidelined from the national team since sustaining a severe knee injury against Uruguay in October 2023.
Under coach Carlo Ancelotti, Neymar has not received a call-up since May last year. Recognizing the significance of the current year for Santos, the Brazilian national team, and himself with the World Cup approaching, Neymar emphasized the substantial challenge ahead.