Neymar May Retire From Football By December 2025 Due To Injuries

Neymar, who is 34, might stop playing football this year. This is a big change from his contract which lasts until 2026.
By Newsroom | Sports, Football |

The prospect of Brazilian football star Neymar retiring from professional play at the close of the current year is a developing narrative, marked by his own statements and fueled by recent career challenges. This potential end to his storied career coincides with his return to his boyhood club, Santos, and a period of injury recovery. The discussions surrounding his future are gaining traction as the year progresses, prompting close observation from fans and sports analysts alike.

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Context of Neymar's Potential Retirement

Neymar, a prominent figure in international football, has recently spoken about his future in the sport. After a period playing for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, he rejoined Santos in January 2025, extending his contract until the end of 2026. His first year back has been affected by injuries, including knee surgery in late December which caused him to miss the start of the Brazilian season in January 2025. He returned to play recently, but the impact of these setbacks is evident.

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  • Contractual Status: Neymar has a contract with Santos until the end of 2026.

  • Recent Move: Rejoined Santos in January 2025 from Al-Hilal.

  • Injury Concerns: Experienced an injury-hampered first year at Santos, including knee surgery in late December 2024.

  • Return to Play: Resumed playing recently after the knee surgery.

  • Age: Neymar is 34 years old.

Neymar's Statements on Retirement

The striker has directly addressed his future, leaving the door open to retirement. Speaking to the Brazilian online channel Caze, Neymar stated:

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"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."

This sentiment was echoed in an interview with UOL, where he indicated that the current season could potentially be his last. He also mentioned that he is "taking it one day at a time" regarding his future.

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  • Uncertainty about the Future: Neymar explicitly states he doesn't know what will happen next year.

  • Potential Retirement Timeline: Retirement is a possibility by the end of the year (December 2025).

  • Daily Approach: He is focusing on the present rather than long-term planning.

Impact of Injuries and Fitness

Neymar's recent career has been significantly influenced by injuries. His first year back at Santos was described as "injury-hampered," and a second knee procedure delayed his return to the field. This has led to criticism regarding his fitness and dedication from some observers. Despite these challenges, Neymar's father, Neymar da Silva Santos Sr., shared that the player considered retiring after his latest injury but ultimately decided to continue, even scoring in a crucial game.

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  • Fitness Issues: Recent injuries have impacted his playing time and fitness levels.

  • Criticism: Concerns about his fitness and dedication have been raised.

  • Resilience: Despite considering retirement due to injury, he has shown determination to play.

Aspirations for the 2026 World Cup

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his club future, Neymar has expressed a desire to participate in the 2026 World Cup for Brazil. However, he acknowledges that he may not be at 100% fitness for the tournament. The current Brazil coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has not called Neymar up since taking over in May 2025, and sources suggest that a call-up to the national team is a key factor in his decision-making.

  • World Cup Goal: Neymar hopes to play in the 2026 World Cup.

  • Fitness Concerns for WC: He recognizes he might not be at peak fitness for the tournament.

  • National Team Status: Has not been called up by Brazil's current coach, Carlo Ancelotti.

Professional History and Legacy

Neymar has had a distinguished career, playing for renowned European clubs such as Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain before his move to Saudi Arabia and then back to Brazil. He has represented Brazil in 128 matches, scoring 79 goals. His performance for Santos upon his return was crucial in helping the team avoid relegation, with eight league goals, including four in the final rounds.

  • Club Career Highlights: Played for Barcelona, PSG, Al-Hilal, and Santos.

  • International Statistics: 128 caps and 79 goals for Brazil.

  • Recent Impact at Santos: Scored vital goals to help his team avoid relegation.

Expert Analysis and Observations

Sources within Brazil suggest that Neymar's decision regarding his future might be influenced by whether he receives another call-up to the national team. This highlights the importance of international duty in his current career considerations. The narrative of a potential retirement at the end of 2025 is one that is being closely watched, representing a potential turning point in one of football's most recognizable careers.

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  • Call-up Influence: National team selection is seen as a potential deciding factor.

  • Significant Career Stage: The current period is viewed as a crucial juncture for Neymar.

Conclusion and Implications

Neymar's statements indicate a genuine consideration of retiring from professional football by the end of 2025. This contemplation is directly linked to his recent injury struggles, his return to Santos, and his ongoing aspirations for the 2026 World Cup. The timing of his potential retirement announcement hinges on several factors, including his recovery, his performance, and his inclusion in the Brazilian national team. Should he retire, it would mark the end of an era for a player who has been a central figure in football for over a decade. The coming months will be critical in clarifying his intentions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Neymar thinking about retiring from football?
Neymar, who is 34, has said he might retire by the end of 2025. He has had many injuries recently, including knee surgery in late 2024, which have made his return to playing difficult.
Q: What is Neymar's current contract situation?
Neymar rejoined his old club Santos in January 2025 and has a contract until the end of 2026. However, he has hinted that this year could be his last season playing.
Q: How have injuries affected Neymar's career recently?
Neymar's first year back at Santos was difficult because of injuries. He had knee surgery in December 2024 and only recently returned to play. His father said Neymar even thought about quitting after his last injury.
Q: Will Neymar try to play in the 2026 World Cup?
Neymar wants to play for Brazil in the 2026 World Cup. But he knows he might not be in the best shape for it. The current Brazil coach has not picked him for the team since May 2025.
Q: What could influence Neymar's final decision about retiring?
Some people in Brazil think that whether Neymar gets picked for the Brazilian national team again will affect his choice. Playing for his country is very important to him.