Brazil forward Neymar has admitted he may retire at the end of this year.
The 34-year-old recently extended his contract with his boyhood club Santos after returning in January 2025. He helped the club stay in Brazil’s top division, scoring five goals in their last five matches.
However, Neymar has struggled with injuries in recent seasons and is unsure if he will play at this year’s World Cup.
“I don’t know what will happen next year,” he said in an interview on Friday. “It could be that when December comes, I decide to retire. I’m taking it year by year.”
He said 2026 is an important year for Santos, the Brazil national team and for him personally, as it is a World Cup year.
Neymar recently had successful knee surgery. He has scored 79 goals for Brazil, more than any other player, but has not played for the national team since October 2023.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has said he will only select fully fit players for the World Cup, which will be held from 11 June to 19 July in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
