Neymar could retire from football within days after Brazil's World Cup failure, reports in his homeland suggest, after the 34-year-old confirmed his international retirement following a shock last-16 defeat to Norway.
“I tried,” Neymar said after the match at MetLife Stadium. “It started here, and I finished here. It is now over.” The South American side had headed into the tournament as one of the favourites for the trophy, but were eliminated by an Erling Haaland-inspired Norway. Neymar, a controversial selection for Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-man squad, has now earned 130 caps and scored 80 goals for Brazil, having represented Santos, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Al-Hilal. He made an emotional return to Santos last year and has scored 17 goals in 43 appearances since then.
“Neymar is considering full retirement after Brazil's World Cup exit; his father urges him to keep playing.”
Now, according to reports in Brazil, Neymar is considering a full retirement and might not even see out the end of his contract with boyhood club Santos. He will take stock to reflect on Brazil’s World Cup before coming to a decision.
His father, Neymar Sr., has urged him to reverse his international retirement. “Oh, son... What a journey,” Neymar Sr. said on social media. “What a beautiful path. Challenging. Often painful, but infinitely blessed. A decision made today does not define your entire story. A dream that hasn't come true yet doesn't mean it's dead. The end of the story is never determined by a difficult moment... I watched the boy grow into one of the greatest players of his generation in history. When I look back, I see much more than trophies, goals, contracts, or recognition. I see miracles. I see deliverance. I see promises being fulfilled. And when I look ahead, I remain just as certain. The best doesn't depend on age or circumstances. I want to ask you something as a father. Son, keep playing football. Rediscover the joy of having the ball at your feet. Smile again on the field. Today you are healthy. God has given you another chance to do what you've always loved. Enjoy football. Don't carry on your shoulders the weight of decisions, criticism, expectations, or the setbacks that life brings. Don't be afraid of tomorrow. Live for today. Train. Smile. Play football. Delight people once again. Do what God has placed in your hands since you were a child. And never forget that, even before the world admired you, you were always loved by God.”
Whether the father's plea will sway Neymar remains to be seen, as the football world waits for the 34-year-old's final decision that could end one of the most glittering careers of his generation.