Neymar retirement: Has Neymar retired from football?
The football world changed dramatically in 2026 too as Neymar retirement his international career after the FIFA World Cup. Neymar has retired from playing for Brazil but not from playing pro club football.
The 34-year-old remains at Santos, the Brazilian club where his incredible career started. His next professional move is worth monitoring, as there is no guarantee he will remain until the end of 2026.
Who is Neymar?
Brazilian football star Neymar Jr, whose full name is Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, was born on 5 February 1992. He is famous for his dribbling, creativity, goals and entertaining attacking style.
Neymar began his senior career with Santos in 2009. He went on to become a global celebrity with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, played for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia and finally returned to Santos in 2025.
Has Neymar retired?
Neymar has retired from international football but not from football completely. His Brazil career ended following the country’s 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.
Neymar netted Brazil’s only goal of the match, converting from the penalty spot. He then confirmed that he would no longer represent his country, ending an international career that began in 2010.
Neymar’s Brazil career
Neymar finished his Brazil career with 80 goals from 130 international appearances. Under FIFA’s recognised figures, he leaves international football as Brazil’s leading men’s goalscorer.
One of his greatest achievements came at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he scored the decisive penalty against Germany to secure Brazil’s first Olympic gold medal in men’s football. He also played an important role in Brazil’s 2013 Confederations Cup triumph.
Neymar’s club career
Neymar became one of world football’s biggest stars after joining Barcelona in 2013. He was part of the legendary MSN attack with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez and helped Barcelona win the Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey in the 2014-15 season.
Neymar joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 in a record-breaking €222 million deal, which remains football’s most expensive transfer. After six seasons in France, he signed for Al-Hilal before returning to his first club, Santos, in 2025.
Is Neymar still playing for Santos?
Yes, Neymar remains a Santos player. His return to Brazil brought him back to the club where he first became famous, and he has continued adding to his impressive goalscoring record there.
His current Santos contract covers the 2026 season. Neymar has not confirmed where he will play afterwards or whether he will sign another professional contract.
Injuries and Neymar’s future
Injuries have significantly affected the later stages of Neymar’s career. He had missed a long period of football due to a catastrophic ACL injury while playing for Brazil in October 2023.
More fitness concerns have occurred and another thigh injury has been suffered in September 2026. So his physical health could be a key factor when he decides to continue his career after his current Santos contract.
Will Neymar retire completely?
Neymar has not announced a date for his complete retirement from professional football. He has indicated that he will assess his options after completing his commitment to Santos at the end of 2026.
He could remain at Santos, consider another club or decide to finish his playing career. For now, any claim that Neymar has completely retired is premature because he remains an active club footballer.
Neymar’s football legacy
Neymar will be remembered as one of Brazil’s most talented modern footballers. His achievements include the Champions League with Barcelona, the Copa Libertadores with Santos, Olympic gold with Brazil and numerous domestic trophies.
The Neymar retirement story therefore has a clear answer. His international career with Brazil is over, but his club career continues. What happens after 2026 will determine when Neymar finally brings his extraordinary professional football journey to an end.
