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I’mAs of February 7, 2025, Brazilian football star Neymar has not won a World Cup in 2025, as the FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place in 2026, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Neymar has publicly stated that the 2026 World Cup will be his final appearance on football’s grandest stage. In an interview with CNN, he expressed his determination, saying, “I know this will be my last World Cup, my last shot, my last chance, and I will do everything I can to play in it.”
Neymar’s journey leading up to this point has been marked by significant developments. In August 2023, he transferred from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal for a reported fee of €90 million, making him the most expensive purchase in Saudi Pro League history. His tenure at Al Hilal, however, was marred by injuries. After making only a handful of appearances, Neymar suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while on international duty in October 2023, sidelining him for an extended period. Following a brief return to action in late 2024, he faced further setbacks due to a hamstring injury. These challenges led to a mutual agreement to terminate his contract with Al Hilal in January 2025.
Following his departure from Al Hilal, Neymar made a celebrated return to his boyhood club, Santos, in January 2025. He signed a six-month contract and was greeted by thousands of fans at Vila Belmiro Stadium. Expressing his joy, Neymar stated, “I am very happy. We lived great moments here. There’s still a lot that could come.” He also hinted at the possibility of extending his contract, emphasizing his desire to perform at his best and contribute to the team’s success.
In his re-debut for Santos on February 6, 2025, Neymar came on as a half-time substitute in a Campeonato Paulista match against Botafogo-SP, which ended in a 1-1 draw. The stadium erupted in celebration as fans welcomed their prodigal son back to the pitch. Reflecting on his performance, Neymar acknowledged that he needed more time to regain full match fitness but expressed confidence in his ability to return to top form.
Looking ahead, Neymar remains focused on the 2026 World Cup. Despite Brazil’s challenges in the South American qualifiers, where they currently sit fifth in the 10-nation group, Neymar remains optimistic. He expressed faith in the team’s potential, stating, “I have a lot of faith in the team, in the players who are emerging, who are young. We’re not in a position where we would like to be. I think together we can achieve something very big.”
In addition to his World Cup aspirations, Neymar has hinted at a potential reunion with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez at Major League Soccer club Inter Miami. He remarked, “Obviously, playing again with Messi and Suárez would be incredible. They are my friends. We still speak to each other. It would be interesting to revive this trio.” While content with his current stint at Santos, Neymar acknowledged the unpredictable nature of football, leaving the door open for future opportunities.
As Neymar continues his journey, fans around the world eagerly anticipate his performances, both at the club level with Santos and on the international stage with Brazil. His dedication to the sport and his nation underscores his enduring passion and commitment to leaving a lasting legacy in footba
ll history.
