Neymar defines his future after the World Cup: these are his options
After the harsh elimination of the Brazilian team in this 2026 World Cup, Neymar’s future is shrouded in uncertainty. The options being considered are three: 1) Abandoning football permanently, fed up with failures, criticism and continuous injuries 2) Playing for an MLS team 3) Returning to Santos to fulfill his contract.
Neymar leaves the National Team
The first option seems to be confirmed in regards to leaving the Brazil National Team. The decision is irreversible: his future inclusion in the squad is not in the player’s or coach Ancelotti’s plans.
However, in recent days his continuity in club football has been considered. There is a family consensus that Neymar cannot end his career in such a negative way. In a recent message on his IG profile, Neymar’s father asked him not to give up, maintaining that all is not lost and encouraged him to continue enjoying on the field. Furthermore, the complete abandonment of football is not viable for commercial reasons. The validity of multiple contracts and the commercial commitment with sponsors and companies make the player’s immediate withdrawal impossible.
MLS, an option currently closed
Regarding the option of playing for an MLS team, it should be noted that the negotiations for a possible transfer of the player to FC Cincinnati has not prospered. After months of talks, and despite sporting director Chris Albrig and president Jeff Berding traveling to Brazil in April to visit Neymar and his father, the American club finally did not present any official offer.
Return to Santos confirmed
Regarding the last alternative, this seems to be confirmed, since, according to Diário do Peixe (main media linked to Santos), Neymar is determined to fulfill his contract with Santos until December.
As it turned out, Neymar confessed to his friends that: “he cannot abandon Santos or his teammates at this moment. The club is going through a serious financial crisis, is prohibited from registering new players and is close to the relegation zone in the Brasileirão.”
Family reasons are added to the sporting reasons: his partner, Bruna Biancardi, is expecting a child again. Neymar prioritizes being with her during the pregnancy in the family mansion on the coast of São Paulo.
Finally, according to UOL journalist Lucas Musetti, this Friday, July 17, Neymar would be returning to Santos to undergo the required medical examination. The check-up will especially focus on evaluating the leg muscle (calf), muscle balance, knee examination and cardiac tests.
Given that the attacker did not have a traditional vacation – since he prepared specifically for the World Cup – a physical transition phase is expected before his full return to training.
