The number ten discussed his future with the Brazilian national team and clarified his future plans.
Neymar Jr., a football sensation, talked about his future and said that the 2026 World Cup would be his final appearance for the Brazilian national team, which has not yet earned a spot in the top division. He said he is sure the ‘Canarinha’ would improve so they can contend for a sixth world championship.
“Since this World Cup is my final one, it’s also my final chance. In an interview with CNN, the Seleção’s all-time top scorer declared, “I will do everything in my power to help us achieve it.”
The event, which will be held in 2026 in the US, Canada, and Mexico, will see the 34-year-old forward from Al-Hilal.
But before coach Dorival Júnior can call up the 10—which hasn’t happened since the star had a catastrophic knee injury in a worldcup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023—Brazil must first qualify.
“I want to be there; I will give my all and work very hard to be alongside the Brazilian national team,” he said.
After a year away, “Ney” rejoined his team to play last October. He has started off the bench in both of the games since his return.
The five-time world champions, who are now in fifth place with 18 points after 12 games, failed to play good football and get results in the South American qualifiers during his absence. The Seleção is five points clear of the playoffs and in a qualifying zone with six games left.
“I have a lot of faith in the young, up-and-coming players; the team is really youthful. We are not where we would like to be right now, but I think that if we work together, we can do great things,” he said.
Neymar, 32, said he was happy at Al-Hilal, a team he joined in 2023 and has a deal with through the middle of the year. However, physical problems have hindered his time in Saudi Arabian football.
International media have speculated about his prolonged stay in Saudi Arabia, whose league he believes to be superior to the French division in which he played with PSG from 2017 to 23.
The Brazilian player added that playing with Uruguayan Luis Suárez and Argentine Lionel Messi, who he created an iconic trio with at Barcelona before moving to Paris and who currently play for Inter Miami in the United States, would be “incredible” once more.
My pals and I continue to communicate to this day. That trio’s comeback would be intriguing for football. In Arabia, I’m content at Al-Hilal. But football is full of surprises, so you never know,” he said.
