After announcing his retirement from the Brazil national team, the forward is analyzing how he will continue his career. Those close to him do not rule out the possibility that he may also end his professional career
The weariness with the football environment would also be one of the factors influencing this analysis. People close to the player maintain that he is affected by media pressure and feels that, after 15 years defending the Brazilian national team, he did not receive the recognition he expected.
The elimination of Brazil in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup against Norway could mark the end of an era for Neymar Júnior. After the match, the forward confirmed that he will not wear the Brazilian national team jersey again and now doubts arise about his future as a professional footballer.
"I tried, I tried. Now it's over for me. I started here and I close it here", expressed the 34-year-old attacker after the defeat, in a message that officialized his farewell to the Canarinha and recently also fueled speculation about a possible definitive retirement.
According to Brazilian media such as UOL Esporte and Planeta do Futebol, Neymar is going through a strong physical and emotional downturn after several seasons marked by injuries, especially the serious ailment suffered during the Qualifiers, which kept him off the pitch for more than a year.
According to reports from those media, the player is considering three alternatives for the coming months: fulfill the contract he has with Santos until December, accept a transfer to a destination with less pressure, or even retire from professional football. Those close to him claim that he has not yet made a decision and is still reflecting on the next step in his career.
In recent hours, the father of the forward tried to encourage him to continue playing with an emotional message posted on social media. "I want to make a paternal request. Son, keep playing football. Rediscover the joy of having the ball at your feet. Rediscover the smile on the field. Today you are healthy. God has given you another chance to do what you have always loved. Enjoy football", wrote Neymar da Silva Santos.
Another who expressed himself was Cris Guedes, one of the closest friends of the former Barcelona and PSG player, who did not rule out that the match against Norway may have been the last of his career. "Thank you for every impossible dribble, for every smile, for every tear, and for never stopping to believe. Because time can close chapters, but it can never erase a legend. Perhaps this is the last match, perhaps not yet. If it is, let it be celebrated as it deserves. And if there are still more chapters to come, football will be grateful", he posted.
Meanwhile, Neymar's future remains open. The only thing confirmed is that his cycle with the Brazilian national team has come to an end; now it remains to be seen if this farewell will also mark the end of one of the most important careers in Brazilian football in recent decades.
