Neymar Jr. has confirmed he will hang up his international boots after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, telling fans through social media that this tournament will be his last in Brazil’s famous yellow jersey. At 34 years old and back with Santos FC, the forward described his career as “sadly coming to an end.”
The retirement and what led to it
Back in February 2026, he told CazeTV that he was “living year to year” and could retire by December 2026, pointing to the brutal injury struggles that had limited his playing time over recent seasons.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti recalled Neymar to Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad in May 2026, giving him one final shot at the tournament that has defined his relationship with Brazilian football fans. His message to supporters was simple: cherish these last moments.
The retirement applies only to his international career. His club future with Santos FC remains open-ended, meaning Neymar isn’t disappearing from football entirely.
