Neymar considers retirement at the end of the year and leaves his future open: I’ll think about it By Thiago Lemos
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Striker Neymar has not yet defined his next steps after the end of his contract with Santos, scheduled for December 2026. The uncertainty regarding the continuity of the player’s career was revealed during an event.
In an interview given to his personal internet channel, upon arrival at the Neymar Jr. Institute auction, on the night of August 3, 2026, in São Paulo, the athlete discussed the possibility of retiring in 2027.
“I’m not sure about the time left. I’m not thinking about stopping now and I don’t know how long I’ll continue. I have a contract with Santos until December, and my intention is to fulfill it, honoring the shirt in the best way. After the end, I’ll reflect on whether I stay at Santos, leave, or even end my career”, he stated.
The player reinforced his indecision about the immediate future. “I really don’t know what my fate will be. There is a good amount of time until December, so I will take it step by step, game by game, because the most important thing is that I am feeling good physically. On August 4, 2026 we will have a crucial match”, he added.
Statement from Neymar’s father about staying in the national team
The striker’s father, Neymar da Silva Santos, also spoke out about his son’s recent statements regarding his future in the Brazilian team, indicating that the final decision has not yet been made.
Neymar will embark on the morning of August 4, 2026 for Belém, where he will join the rest of the Santos squad. The team had already arrived in the capital of Pará in the late afternoon for the decisive clash.
The match in question is against Remo, valid for the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. After a goalless draw in the first leg, held at Vila Belmiro, Santos needs a victory to advance to the quarterfinals. The game is scheduled for 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at the Mangueirão stadium.
Regarding his participation in the match, Neymar stated that he will be available to the coach. “It is clear that I will be on the field, completely at the coach’s disposal. Just as it is common at Santos for news to leak before the players even know it, the sector experts have already announced that I will remain in reserve. My expectation is to be ready to contribute and guarantee the victory for Peixão”, he concluded.
