Neymar announces plan to RETIRE – days after he turned 34 – as he targets emotional swansong at the World Cup

Neymar has admitted 2026 could be his final year as a professional footballer, with the Brazilian star hinting that the World Cup is poised to be his last hurrah.

The former PSG star – who made waves as a teenage prodigy in Brazil before joining Barcelona in a high-profile move – entered veteran status earlier this month as he celebrated his 34th birthday.

But the attacker has endured an injury-plagued thirties, with ankle, knee and hamstring problems blighting his playing time.

Neymar returned to boyhood club Santos in 2024 and his contract is due to expire in 2026. 

When asked about his future plans by CazeTV via UOL, Neymar issued a sobering response.

‘I don’t know what will happen from now on. It could be that December arrives and I want to retire. I’m living year by year. 

The Brazilian, 34, is targeting a swansong at the World Cup this summer

‘There’s this year, which is very important not only for Santos, but for the Brazilian national team, and for me as well.’

Neymar is hoping to make a late charge into Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for this summer’s World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada, although the national team boss has remained tight-lipped on the veteran’s chances.

Neymar admitted to ‘holding back’ since returning to first-team action in an effort to avoid further injury woes.

‘I wanted to return to playing this season at 100%, which is why I held back on some games. I know a lot of people talk nonsense and don’t know what it’s like day-to-day, but I have to endure it. Santos made a very good plan in this regard. 

‘Obviously, I wanted to come back to help my team, but I ended up holding back to return at 100%, without pain, without fear, and without anything.

‘I managed to come back very well in this last game. I’m happy and calm to have returned a little better than I was before. Obviously, I need to gain a little more rhythm, but it’s with perseverance that I will reach my 100%. I’ll live year by year. I don’t know what will happen from now on, it will be up to my heart. It’s one day at a time.’

Neymar’s comments come after former national team-mate Coutinho dramatically left Brazilian club Vasco de Gama, saying he is ‘mentally exhausted’ in an emotional statement on social media.

‘I thought long and hard before writing this. I really did,’ he posted on Instagram. ‘But, out of respect, affection, and love that I have for you and for this club, I felt I needed to come here and speak from the heart.

‘I chose to return to Vasco because I love this club. I love everything Vasco represents in my life. Wearing this shirt was one of the most important choices I’ve ever made. And, in every training session, in every game, I gave my best. Always! There was never a lack of dedication, never a lack of will and commitment.

‘Being judged by countless people for something that isn’t part of my character is extremely difficult. I would never disrespect the fans, my teammates, or Vasco. I’ve never done that anywhere I’ve been. Anyone who knows me knows that.

‘At that moment, on my way to the locker room, I felt and realised that my time at the club was over, and I didn’t return to prioritise my mental health. That hurts a lot.’

It remains to be seen whether Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti includes Neymar in his plans

Coutinho started life at Vasco strongly, scoring five goals and providing three assists in 26 appearances in all competitions during his initial loan spell, as they finished 13th in the Brasileirao Serie A.

This season, he has scored seven in 28 matches, a solid return that will see his contract termination rock the club.

‘The truth is, I’m very mentally exhausted,’ he continued. ‘I’ve always been very reserved, so saying this here isn’t easy, but I need to be honest.

‘My relationship with Vasco is one of love. And it will continue to be forever. With a heavy heart, I understand that now is the time to take a step back and end this chapter at Vasco.

‘I am grateful for everything I experienced here. I will carry Vasco with me forever. In my heart. In my history. In my life. From the bottom of my heart… Thank you for everything.’