Is Neymar Ready to Hang Up His Boots?

Neymar's recent statements indicate that the Brazilian striker is contemplating retirement at the end of 2025, following an injury-plagued season after rejoining Santos. Despite the challenges, Neymar aims to participate in the upcoming World Cup, having made history as Brazil's all-time leading scorer.

Last updated: 14 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Neymar, who rejoined his boyhood club Santos from Al-Hilal in January 2025, is facing a pivotal moment in his career. After undergoing knee surgery in late December 2024, he missed the start of the Brazilian season and only made his return to action last week. At 34, Neymar has expressed uncertainty about his future, stating that he is "living year to year." With the World Cup approaching, he is eager to secure a place in the national squad but acknowledges the challenges ahead.

Key takeaways

Neymar has rejoined Santos and extended his contract until 2026.
Injuries have significantly impacted his performance and availability.
He is considering retirement at the end of 2025 but aims to play in the upcoming World Cup.

Timeline: how we got here

Here’s a brief timeline leading to Neymar's current situation:

August 2017: Neymar transfers from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for £200 million, the highest fee ever paid for a player.
January 2025: Neymar rejoins Santos from Saudi club Al-Hilal.
December 2024: Undergoes knee surgery, missing the start of the Brazilian season in January 2025.
October 2023: Last appearance for the Brazilian national team.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Neymar's latest comments reflect his uncertainty about retirement and his desire to perform well for Santos and the Brazilian national team during the World Cup year. He has recently returned from injury, adding to the anticipation surrounding his performance.

What was already established

It was already known that Neymar has been struggling with injuries over the past few seasons, impacting his involvement with both club and country. His legacy as Brazil's all-time leading scorer has been well established, and he has been under scrutiny regarding his future in the sport.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While Neymar's situation primarily affects Brazilian football fans, his potential retirement could resonate globally, including in the UK, where interest in Premier League and international football is high. Fans may be keen to watch him in what could be his final World Cup.

Businesses and jobs

Neymar's influence extends beyond the pitch, as he is a significant draw for sponsorships and merchandise sales. His presence in the upcoming World Cup could impact revenue streams for clubs, sponsors, and broadcasters alike, including in the UK.

Policy and regulation

As Neymar navigates his career decisions, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) may need to consider how injuries affect player selections for international tournaments, especially with the World Cup approaching in the summer of 2026.

Numbers that matter

79: Neymar's current tally of goals for the Brazilian national team, making him the all-time leading scorer.
34: Neymar's age as of October 2023, marking a critical juncture in his career.
£200 million: The record transfer fee that PSG paid to acquire Neymar from Barcelona in 2017.
2025: The year Neymar is considering retirement, with a focus on the World Cup.

Definitions and jargon buster

PSG: Paris Saint-Germain, a French professional football club where Neymar played before joining Santos.
World Cup: The FIFA World Cup, an international football tournament held every four years.
Santos FC: A Brazilian football club based in Santos, São Paulo, where Neymar began his professional career.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Neymar will be focusing on regaining form and fitness after his recent return from injury. His performance in upcoming domestic matches will be crucial for his selection in the World Cup squad.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the World Cup approaches, Neymar will need to demonstrate consistent performance to secure a place in the national team. His fitness will be key in determining his future decisions regarding retirement.

Signals to watch

Performance metrics: Keep an eye on Neymar's goals and assists in upcoming matches.
Injury updates: Monitor news regarding any further injuries or setbacks.
National team selections: Watch for announcements regarding the Brazilian squad for the World Cup.

Practical guidance

Do

Follow Neymar's performances closely to gauge his fitness and form.
Stay updated on Brazil's World Cup preparations and squad announcements.
Consider the impact of Neymar's potential retirement on global football dynamics.

Don’t

Don’t underestimate Neymar's influence on the pitch, even amid injuries.
Don’t overlook the broader implications of his career decisions on football in the UK.

Checklist

Check Neymar's fitness reports before major matches.
Track his performance statistics in domestic and international games.
Review news on the Brazilian national team's training camps and friendlies.
Follow updates on global sponsorships related to Neymar.
Stay informed about fan reactions to his potential retirement.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As Neymar considers his future, several uncertainties remain. His injury history raises questions about his ability to perform consistently at a high level. Additionally, the dynamics of team selection for the World Cup are unpredictable, especially with new management under Carlo Ancelotti. The impact of Neymar's potential retirement on his legacy and the football landscape is also a topic of speculation.

Bottom line

Neymar stands at a crossroads in his career, balancing the desire to compete in the World Cup with the realities of injury and age. As he reflects on his future, UK fans and football stakeholders should keep a close watch on his performances and the implications they may have for the sport.

FAQs

Is Neymar retiring soon?

Neymar has mentioned considering retirement at the end of 2025, but he aims to play in the upcoming World Cup, making it a crucial year for him.

What is Neymar's injury status?

After knee surgery in late December 2024, Neymar has recently returned to action but has faced significant injury challenges in the past few seasons.

How many goals has Neymar scored for Brazil?

Neymar is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, surpassing legendary player Pelé.