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Neymar hints at retirement after 2026 season

ESPN Soccer •
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Brazil's Neymar has sent shockwaves through world football by suggesting he might retire at the end of the 2026 season. The 34-year-old forward, who recently returned to Santos after a stint with Al Hilal, revealed he's taking his career year by year as he contemplates life after football. Speaking to Brazilian channel Caze, Neymar admitted uncertainty about his future.

Injury concerns have plagued the Brazilian superstar in recent years, including a knee operation in December that sidelined him for several months. Despite these setbacks, Neymar remains under contract through 2026 and is determined to make this season count, both for his boyhood club and the Brazilian national team. His potential retirement would mark the end of an era for one of Brazil's most prolific scorers.

Neymar's comments come as he prepares for what could be his final World Cup campaign. With 79 goals in 128 caps for Brazil, he holds the national team's all-time scoring record. The forward made his latest comeback on Sunday, coming off the bench in Santos' 6-0 victory over Velo Clubeto. As the football world digests this bombshell revelation, fans and pundits alike are left wondering whether December 2026 will truly mark the end of Neymar's glittering career.