Neymar opens up on retirement:2026 could be final season

Brazilian football superstar Neymar Jr. has revealed that he is contemplating retirement from professional football at the conclusion of 2026, describing the upcoming year as a potential “final chapter” in his illustrious career.

The 34-year-old forward, currently playing for his boyhood club Santos, stated that while the plan is to step away from the pitch, he remains open to the uncertainties of life and sport.

“Life happens; anything can happen anytime, so I will see if by the end of this year I can retire from football,” Neymar told reporters. “As you know, this year is very important for me and for my national team.”

Central to his decision is the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Neymar confirmed his ambition to represent Brazil on football’s biggest stage one last time, hoping to lead his country to glory. “This is a World Cup year, and I hope to give my best for the Brazilian national team,” he added.

Neymar returned to Santos—the club where it all began for him in 2009—early last year following a stint with Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal. He has since opted to extend his contract with the Brazilian club through the end of 2026, aligning his club future with his potential international swan song.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his retirement timeline, Neymar’s legacy remains firmly intact. He currently holds the record as Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer, netting 79 goals for the Seleção, surpassing the legendary Pelé. Across his career with club and country, he has amassed over 400 goals and provided more than 250 assists.

Globally recognized for his elite dribbling and clinical finishing, Neymar’s career has been defined by historic achievements. He won the Copa Libertadores with Santos in 2011 and later formed part of the iconic “MSN” trio at Barcelona alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. His record-breaking £200 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 remains the highest transfer fee ever paid for a player.

As the football world watches closely, the coming months will determine whether 2026 marks the end of the road for one of the game’s modern greats.