Neymar Hints at Possible Retirement Amid Injury Concerns

Brazilian soccer star Neymar has suggested he might retire at the end of the year, raising questions about his participation in the upcoming World Cup.

The 34-year-old forward expressed uncertainty about his future in an interview with the online channel “Kazi TV,” snippets of which have circulated on social media since Thursday night. His comments come despite recently renewing his contract with Santos until the end of 2026.

Neymar recently played his first match this year for Santos, following surgery on his left knee last December. The operation sidelined him for the beginning of the Brazilian club season, which commences in January.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player told the channel, he aimed to return this season at 100%, explaining his absence from certain matches.

He emphasized the importance of the year ahead, not only for Santos but also for the Brazilian national team and himself, with the World Cup approaching, scheduled to take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Neymar holds the record as Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, surpassing Pelé by two goals. He aspires to participate in his fourth World Cup.

However, he has not been called up to the national team since Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti took charge in May.

Neymar's last appearance for the five-time world champions was on October 17, 2023, when he suffered a serious knee injury against Uruguay.

Since returning to his former club Santos a year ago, Neymar has faced several physical setbacks but played a pivotal role in the club's survival in the first division.