Brazil forward Neymar says he could bring his playing career to an end before the close of the year, admitting he is taking his future “year to year.”
The 34-year-old made the revelation in an interview with Brazilian online channel Caze, casting fresh doubt over his long-term plans despite recently extending his stay at boyhood club Santos FC until 2026.
“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.”
Neymar returned to Santos in January 2025 after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, but his second spell has been disrupted by injuries. He recently resumed action following knee surgery in December.
The former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward remains eager to contribute this season, especially with a World Cup on the horizon.
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“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 said.
“I wanted to play this season totally 100 percent.”
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals for the Brazil national football team, has not featured internationally since October 2023. With head coach Carlo Ancelotti insisting only fully fit players will make the squad, the veteran attacker faces a race against time to prove his fitness.
For now, Neymar says the final decision on retirement will come down to personal reflection.
“We will see what my heart decides. It depends on what my heart says later in the year.”