Advertisement
Neymar’s club future in doubt after Brazil’s World Cup elimination
09th July, 2026 10:52 AM
Neymar Junior is expected to use the coming days to reflect on the next chapter of his career after Brazil’s exit from the FIFA World Cup, with reports indicating Santos has granted him a break before any decisions are made.
According to Brazilian media, the veteran forward still has six months remaining on his current Santos deal. However, following his retirement from international football, uncertainty has grown over whether he intends to continue playing professionally.
A local report stated: “Neymar’s future at Santos will be decided after a vacation period,” while adding that the Brazilian club is “waiting for a signal” before opening discussions with the striker and his representatives.
Neymar is currently staying in the United States alongside his family and is expected to take at least 10 days away from football before making any decisions.
The 34-year-old confirmed the end of his Brazil career after the Selecao suffered a 2-1 loss to Norway in the Round of 16 at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday. The defeat represented Brazil’s earliest World Cup exit since 1990.
Reflecting on the emotional moment, Neymar said: “I tried, I tried. Now it’s over. I started here, and I finished here,” referring to the stadium where he also made his senior international debut in 2010.
Neymar’s hint
Following the defeat, Neymar’s father hinted on social media that his son could also be thinking about stepping away from club football.
“I want to make a request as a father. Ney, keep playing football. Feel the joy of having the ball at your feet again. Smile on the field again,” Neymar Senior wrote on Instagram.
Since returning to Santos, where he began his professional career, in January 2025, Neymar has featured in 43 matches in all competitions.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti selected Neymar for the World Cup squad in May despite the forward battling recurring injuries and having spent nearly three years away from international football.
During the tournament, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker came off the bench twice and found the net with a late penalty in Brazil’s defeat to Norway.
