Neymar hints at possible retirement at year-end

February 21, 2026 / 2:32 PM

Sharjah24: Brazilian star Neymar has, for the first time, acknowledged that he might end his career at the end of this year, just months before the World Cup, which he hopes to participate in despite frequent injuries.

Comments in Kazi TV interview

The 34-year-old forward made the remarks in an interview with the online channel Kazi TV, excerpts of which were shared on social media on Thursday night.

Contract renewal with Santos

Neymar recently renewed his contract with Santos until the end of 2026. On Sunday, he played his first match of the year for his current club, following surgery on his left knee in late December, which had caused him to miss the start of the Brazilian club season in January.

Return to the pitch

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward said: “I wanted to return this season at 100%, which is why I missed some matches.” He added: “This is an important year, not just for Santos, but also for the Brazilian national team and for me personally, with the World Cup approaching,” scheduled from 11 June to 19 July in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

All-time top scorer

Neymar is Brazil’s second-highest scorer of all-time (79 goals, two shy of Pelé) and aims to play in the World Cup for the fourth time. However, he has not yet been called up to the national team since Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti took charge in May. His last match for the five-time world champions was on 17 October 2023, when he suffered a serious knee injury against Uruguay.

Key role at Santos

Since returning to his former club Santos a year ago, Neymar has faced several physical problems, but he has played a key role in keeping the team in Brazil’s top division.