Neymar could consider retirement if left out of Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad: Report
The forward has not been part of the national team squad for three years.
According to the reports, Santos striker Neymar is thinking of retiring this year if he doesn’t play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to the reports, the 34-year-old’s only remaining motive is the 2026 World Cup, and he is committed to making Brazil’s roster. At the moment, the forward is making every effort to heal from a knee injury.
Since 2025, Neymar has been a member of Santos. Including his first stint, he has made 253 appearances so far for the club, contributing 70 assists and 147 goals. He has a contract that expires in 2026.
According to Transfermarkt, the player is worth €10 million.
11 players are guaranteed a spot in the squad, while Neymar’s status remains uncertain
Carlo Ancelotti is already forming the framework of his Brazil side as the 2026 World Cup draws near. According to reports, Vinicius Junior and Raphinha, the cornerstones of the current cycle and representations of offensive continuity, have been selected by the Italian coach. One topic, however, still dominates the national discourse as the list of guaranteed names starts to take shape: Will Neymar make it?
Although Ancelotti’s early insight provides comfort, it also highlights the brutality of contemporary international soccer. Even when that reputation belongs to the most well-known forward of a generation, Brazil are not being constructed solely on reputation.
Up to 11 players, who make up the core of the team, are already thought to be surefire picks if they stay healthy, according to ESPN Brazil. This core, which combines leadership, explosiveness, and tactical dependability, consists of Alisson, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Rodrygo, Estevao, Matheus Cunha, and Gabriel Martinelli.
When did Neymar last play for Brazil?
He last played for them in 2023.
Will Ancelotti select the forward for the competition?
Ancelotti says if he is fully fit, then he could be named in the squad.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.