Brazil star Neymar Junior has refused to call time on his playing career despite persistent injury struggles, insisting he wants to continue until he can no longer perform at the top level.
The former Barcelona forward returned to boyhood club Santos earlier in the year after hugely successful spells across Europe and Saudi Arabia.
Prior to his return to Santos, Neymar had suffered an extended spell on the sidelines at Saudi Arabia club Al-Hilal, since suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament tear in 2023.
In an interview with his family members, the 33-year old said;”What drives me is the love I still feel for football. The desire I feel to play, to be on the field, that’s what drives me every day; to wake up, to train.
Read this: PSG’s Doue reveals Neymar as inspiration
The love I feel for football will never end. It will stay with me for the rest of my life. At some point, the desire to play, because I can no longer do it, because I can no longer perform as I want to, will end … As long as I still have the desire to play football, you’ll have to share me, my love”, he stated in the interview with his wife, Bruna Biancardi.
Neymar has also struggled with injuries since his return to Brazil, making only 15 appearances so far, while he has yet to make an appearance for the national team since 2023.
The Brazil all-time record goalscorer was called up in March, although he was forced out of the squad with another injury.
“It’s bad, sad, to be judged in a certain way, sometimes even hated by people who don’t know me, who aren’t part of my daily life, who don’t know the effort I put in for myself and my family. It’s difficult to stop and see on the internet what isn’t reality. I have a strong mindset when it comes to the internet”, Neymar expressed his thoughts of people’s criticism of his lifestyle.
“I can look at it, but it doesn’t hurt me, it doesn’t hurt me mentally.
Check this out: Neymar close to Brazil return
My football career will end, my name will remain in history, but it will end, years will pass, other players and generations will come and go. I always say that the people who know me are what matter.”
Neymar remains the most expensive football player ever following his record €222 million move to PSG in 2017, and is expected to make a decision regarding his career after the 2026 FIFA 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.
