Neymar Opens Up on Retirement Before World Cup 2026

The latest Neymar retirement news has left Brazilian fans uneasy. The 34-year-old forward says he is living season by season. December could bring a final decision. For now, he wants one last run at the big stage.

Back at Santos, where it all began, Neymar has tried to steady his body after another brutal injury spell. Knee surgery in late December did not allow him start of the domestic campaign. He returned on February 16, stepping off the bench in the Sao Paulo state championship. The crowd stood up and recorded his comeback. He said he did not push too hard and tried to manage his fitness.

“I don’t know what will happen next year,” he said in a candid interview. The words were calm, but the message hit hard.

Fitness Battle Before the Big Call

His numbers for Brazil remain historic. He has scored 79 goals for Brazil, 2 more than Pele. He has not played for the national team since October 2023, when he injured his knee against Uruguay. Since then, talk around the FIFA World Cup 2026 Brazil squad has continued without his name in it.

Carlo Ancelotti has yet to recall the veteran since taking charge. That silence speaks loudly.

Still, Neymar insists this year matters. For Brazil, Santos, and for himself. He signed a contract extension through 2026, signaling unfinished business. Yet contracts do not guarantee fitness.

World Cup Dream Still Alive

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Brazil squad remains his target. He knows time is thin. Recovery must be perfect and form must follow before World Cup. Competition inside the squad is fierce and unforgiving.

This Neymar retirement news may feel premature, but it carries weight. Brazil’s record scorer stands at a crossroads. One road leads to another World Cup chapter. The other closes a career that shaped a generation.

For now, he trains, waits, and the nation watches closely.