By SRTeam Brazilian football icon Neymar has officially declared that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark his final appearance in the prestigious tournament. At 34, the forward is resolute in his commitment to represent Brazil one last time on football’s grandest stage.
In a recent interview, Neymar expressed his unwavering determination: “I know this will be my last World Cup, my last shot, my last chance, and I will do everything I can to play in it.”
Brazil’s journey through the South American qualifiers has been challenging. After 12 of 18 rounds, the Seleção sits fifth among ten nations, with the top six securing direct entry to the World Cup. Despite this, Neymar remains optimistic about Brazil’s prospects and the emerging talent within the squad. He stated, “I have a lot of faith in the team, in the players who are emerging, who are young. We’re not in a position where we would like to be. I think together we can achieve something very big.”
Neymar’s international career has been marred by injuries, the most recent being a knee injury sustained during Brazil’s defeat to Uruguay in October 2023. This setback required surgery, sidelining him for a year. He made a brief return to club football with Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, appearing twice between October and November, before a hamstring strain curtailed his comeback. Reflecting on his recovery and aspirations, Neymar said, “I want to be there; I’m going to try to do my best, to work very hard so that I can be with the Brazilian team.”
Beyond his World Cup ambitions, Neymar has hinted at a potential reunion with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez at Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami. “Obviously, playing again with Messi and Suárez would be incredible,” Neymar remarked. “They are my friends. We still speak to each other. It would be interesting to revive this trio.” While content with his current stint in Saudi Arabia, he acknowledged the unpredictable nature of football: “I’m happy in Saudi Arabia, but who knows? Football is full of surprises.”
The upcoming expanded Club World Cup in June presents a tantalizing prospect, with both Al Hilal and Inter Miami set to participate. This tournament could witness Neymar facing off against Messi and Suárez on American soil, adding another chapter to their storied camaraderie.
Neymar’s announcement has elicited a spectrum of reactions from the football community. Fans and analysts are reflecting on his contributions to the sport and the void his departure will create. As Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer, surpassing even Pelé, Neymar’s influence on and off the pitch is undeniable.
His career has been a blend of dazzling skill and resilience in the face of adversity. From his early days at Santos FC to his record-breaking transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, and now his tenure at Al Hilal, Neymar’s journey epitomizes the global nature of modern football.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, all eyes will be on Neymar and Brazil. The tournament not only offers a platform for emerging talents but also serves as a farewell tour for one of football’s most captivating figures.
In the coming months, Neymar’s focus will be on rehabilitation and regaining peak fitness. His commitment to donning the iconic yellow jersey one last time underscores his enduring passion for the sport and his nation.
The football world awaits with bated breath to witness Neymar’s final act on the World Cup stage, hopeful that it will be a fitting culmination to a remarkable career.