Neymar Admits Retirement This Year is Possible

Key Takeaways:

• Neymar has suggested he may retire from football upon the conclusion of his contract with Santos in December
• The 34-year-old has identified the upcoming World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada as his primary focus
• Neymar returned to action in the São Paulo state championship after recovering from multiple injuries and surgery

Uncertain Future as Neymar Weighs Options for 2025

Following a challenging spell marked by injuries and subsequent surgery, Neymar has admitted that retirement could be on the horizon when his deal with Santos ends in December. In an interview for CazéTV, the Brazilian international, currently aged 34, reiterated that the World Cup scheduled for June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, remains his key objective for the months ahead. However, he revealed that his physical state may prompt him to consider ending his career at the close of this year if necessary.

🚨NEYMAR JR:

“I don't know what's going to happen from now on, I don't know about next year. It could be that December rolls around and I decide to retire. We'll see what my heart decides. I live day by day.” pic.twitter.com/yEbAF9DPOD

— Brasil Football 🇧🇷 (@BrasilEdition) February 20, 2026

Long Recovery, Fitness Struggles, and Return to Santos

Neymar has not featured for the Brazilian national team since October 2023, when he sustained a severe knee injury during a match against Uruguay. His move back to his original club at the start of 2025 was similarly hampered by a series of injuries, though he played a part in securing Santos’ league status. In December, he underwent further surgery on his left knee, aiming to optimise his recovery and readiness for the global tournament.

International Record and Strategy for Full Recovery

The forward boasts a record of 128 international caps and 79 goals for Brazil. Discussing the management of his comeback, Neymar stated: “I wanted to be back at 100% this season, so I was spared in some matches. I know a lot of people talk nonsense and don’t know the daily reality, but I have to deal with it. Santos developed an excellent plan in this direction. Of course, I wanted to return to help my team, but in the end, I preferred to be spared so I can come back 100%, without pain, without fear,” he explained.

Recent Performance and Looking Ahead

Neymar made his competitive return on Monday during the São Paulo state championship and described feeling content with his display. “I managed to come back well in the last match. I’m happy and relieved to have returned a little better than before. Obviously, I need to regain a bit more rhythm, but with persistence, I’ll reach 100%,” he stated, also noting that the decision regarding his future would be guided by personal instinct: “I don’t know about next year. My heart will decide. I live day by day.”