Neymar Says He May Retire by the End of This Year

Neymar has said he may retire from professional football by the end of this year, just weeks after extending his contract with his childhood club Santos.

The 34-year-old forward returned to Santos in January 2025 and played a crucial role in keeping the club in Brazil’s top division. He scored five goals in his final five matches of the season, helping the team avoid relegation.

Speaking to Brazilian online channel Caze on Friday, Neymar said his future remains uncertain. “I don’t know what will happen from now on. I don’t know about next year,” he said. “When December comes, I may want to retire. I’m living year to year now.”

Neymar described 2026 as a decisive year for both club and country. “This year is very important for Santos, for the Brazil national football team, and for me personally, because it’s a World Cup year,” he said.

The forward recently underwent successful knee surgery. He is Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 international goals but has not played for the national team since October 2023.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has repeatedly said he will only select fully fit players for the World Cup, which will be held from June 11 to July 19 in Canada, Mexico and the United States.