Neymar shocks everyone by announcing his retirement just days after Brazil’s World Cup exit.
It looks like Neymar might have played his last football game, as reports say retiring from football is one of the options he’s thinking about. After lots of talk in Brazil, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star was picked by coach Carlo Ancelotti for the 26-man World Cup squad.
Neymar started the tournament with an injury but managed to play for 40 minutes and even scored a penalty in Brazil’s round of 16 loss to Norway in New Jersey on Sunday. After the game, the 34-year-old seemed to hint at retiring from international football, saying, “It started here at Met Life Stadium, and I finished here. It is now over.”
But a report from UOL says he might retire from football altogether after this tough moment. Journalists writing for the article say Neymar “will return to Brazil with his next career steps open,” and those close to him think he might decide to stop playing.
Right now, Neymar is resting with his family in Florida as he thinks about what to do next. He’s back playing for his childhood club Santos for a second time, with a contract until December. While going back to Santos is the most likely choice, it’s not set in stone. Neymar is taking his time to decide what’s best for him.
Since his debut in 2009, Neymar has gotten tired and feels the Brazilian press hasn’t given him the recognition he deserves, something he has shared with friends. He hoped the World Cup would bring back his love for football, but after the exit, he’s feeling down.
Santos is waiting for him to come back, but there’s no word yet on when that will happen. There are three main possibilities: he goes back to Santos like before, he signs with a new club where the pressure is less, or maybe something else.
Once considered one of the best players and a Ballon d’Or favorite, Neymar’s career has seen some big ups and downs. He is still the most expensive player ever after his £198 million move to PSG in 2017. But his value dropped after moving to Saudi club Al Hilal for £77.6 million, where he only played seven games due to injuries.
The next step in his career is very important. Neymar’s dad has asked him to keep playing, hoping he rediscovers the joy of football. On social media, his father wrote, “Son, keep playing football. Find the happiness of having the ball at your feet again. Enjoy the game.”
Neymar is Brazil’s top scorer with 80 goals in 130 games, and whatever he decides, many will remember his amazing achievements.