Brazil forward Neymar Junior hopes to play at the upcoming World Cup, but is considering retiring from football at the end of the year.
The former Barcelona winger has endured several injury problems in recent years and could make it to the fourth World Cup tournament of his career in the summer if he avoids any injury.
The 34-year-old returned to boyhood club Santos in the Brazil league last year after terminating his contract at Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
He made significant contributions to their battle against relegation last season, most notably scoring a remarkable hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Juventude despite playing with injury.
“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 revealed.
“We will see what my heart decides. It depends on what my heart says later in the year.”
Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, but last featured for them in 2023 and has had to withdraw from other squads due to injury.
Brazil will compete in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland, as they eye a first World Cup since 2002 and a first major tournament since the 2019 Copa America.
“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. I wanted to play this season totally 100 percent.”
Neymar has returned to action with Santos, but his priority will be maintaining fitness and avoiding any injury, as he hopes to make a comeback to the national team for the World Cup.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
