Neymar considering retirement in December amid World Cup fitness battle

Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer Neymar says he may retire at the end of the year but remains determined to fight for a place in the World Cup squad.

The 34-year-old returned to his boyhood club Santos in January 2025 and recently extended his contract until the end of 2026.

However, the former Barcelona and Paris St-Germain forward has been plagued by injuries and only returned to action last week following knee surgery in December.

Uncertain future for Brazil record holder

Neymar, whose £200m move to the French capital in 2017 remains the world record transfer fee, admitted his long-term future in the sport is in doubt.

Speaking to Brazilian online channel Caze, the striker suggested his decision will depend on how he feels physically when the season concludes.

“I don’t know what will happen from now on, I don’t know about next year,” Neymar said.

“It may be that when December comes, I’ll want to retire. I’m living year to year now.”

The challenge of the World Cup

Despite his retirement admission, the Santos forward is desperate to feature for his country at the World Cup this summer.

Neymar is Brazil’s highest-ever scorer with 79 goals, having surpassed the total set by the legendary Pele.

However, he has not played for the national team since October 2023 and faces a difficult task to regain his spot.

He acknowledged that forcing his way into manager Carlo Ancelotti’s plans will be a “huge challenge” given his recent lack of game time.

“This year is a very important year, not only for Santos, but also for the Brazilian national team, as it’s a World Cup year, and for me too,” he added.

The forward’s preparations were disrupted after he missed the start of the Brazilian domestic season in January due to his rehabilitation.