Neymar hints at possible retirement at the end of 2026 season: Living year to year

Neymar has revealed he could retire at the end of the 2026 season but remains determined to play one final FIFA World Cup with Brazil. The 34-year-old says he is taking his career year by year.

Neymar has hinted that the 2026 season could be his last, but the Brazilian superstar has made one thing clear — he wants one final shot at the FIFA World Cup with Brazil.

Speaking to Caz TV, the 34-year-old admitted that retirement is a possibility at the end of next year. However, with the World Cup on the horizon, his immediate focus remains on returning to peak condition and fighting for a place in Brazil’s squad.

"I don't know what will happen from now on, I don't know about next year... It may be that when December comes, I'll want to retire. I'm living year to year now," Neymar said.

"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 comments come at a delicate phase of his career. Neymar returned to boyhood club Santos nearly 12 years after leaving for Barcelona, following an injury-plagued spell at Paris Saint-Germain and a brief stint at Saudi side Al Hilal. Santos have since extended his contract until December 2026, but questions around his long-term future continue to linger.

Fitness has been Neymar’s biggest opponent in recent years.