As reported by SPORTbible, Brazil’s shock exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup has sparked fresh uncertainty over Neymar’s future, with the Brazilian superstar reportedly considering retirement after the tournament.
Brazil were knocked out in the Round of 16 following a 2-1 defeat to Norway in New Jersey on Sunday. Neymar, who scored Brazil’s only goal from the penalty spot, left fans worried after making an emotional statement at full-time.
“It started here at MetLife Stadium, and I finished here. It is now over,” Neymar said after the match, prompting widespread speculation that he could be preparing to end his playing career.
A dejecting World Cup finale
Neymar entered the tournament as part of Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-man squad, despite carrying an injury. He ultimately played just 40 minutes across Brazil’s World Cup campaign. The early exit, particularly after hopes of reigniting his love for the game, left him “dejected.”
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Sources close to the player, as reported by UOL, featuring contributions from journalists Danilo Lavieri, Paulo Vinicius Coelho (PVC), and Pedro Lopes, indicate that “people close to the player do not rule out the possibility that he will decide to retire.” This sentiment is reportedly driven by a growing weariness and a belief that he has not received adequate recognition from the Brazilian press, leading to complaints among friends.
Weighing up the options
Currently resting with his family in Florida, Neymar’s next steps remain unclear. He is presently in a second spell with his boyhood club Santos, where his contract runs until December. While a return to Santos is considered the most probable scenario, it is not a “certainty,” and the club has yet to receive contact regarding his comeback date.
Three potential paths are being considered for Neymar’s future:
- Returning to Santos to complete his contract.
- Signing for a new club in “a less pressured football environment.”
- Retiring from football altogether.
The prospect of retirement has even prompted a public plea from his father, Neymar da Silva Santos, who posted a social media message to his son: “And it is precisely because I believe this that I want to make a fatherly request of you. Son, continue playing football. Rediscover the joy of having the ball at your feet. Rediscover the smile on the field. Today you are healthy. God has given you the opportunity again to do what you have always loved. Enjoy football.”
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A decorated but challenging career
Neymar, who made his professional debut in 2009, has enjoyed a career marked by both brilliance and intense scrutiny. He was once considered one of the best players in the world and a Ballon d’Or contender. His £198 million move to PSG in 2017 remains the most expensive player transfer in football history.
More recently, his career has been impacted by injuries. After leaving PSG, he joined Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal for £77.6 million but played just seven times in an injury-hit stint before his return to Santos. He holds the record as Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 80 goals in 130 appearances.
As the football world awaits his decision, the question remains whether Neymar will heed his father’s advice and rediscover his passion on the pitch, or if the recent World Cup exit will indeed mark the end of an illustrious, yet often tumultuous, career.
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