Neymar, getty images February 9, 2026, 11:00 p.m

Brazil’s attacking midfielder Neymar intends to be part of his team’s bid for the 2026 World Cup. This was reported by The Touchline. The 34-year-old footballer does not even rule out the end of his career if he does not receive a call to the World Cup, which will be held from June 11 to July 19.

According to the source, the Santos star is recovering from an injury and is ready to make serious sacrifices in order to return to form before the start of the tournament. Last season, Neymar played 30 matches for the club, scoring 11 goals.

🚨💣 𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄: Neymar could RETIRE this year if he’s not called up for the World Cup. Playing and winning the World Cup is his ONLY remaining motivation in football.

Everything he’s doing, including his recovery, his work, and his sacrifice, is for one goal: making it… pic.twitter.com/vkus0HembT

— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) February 8, 2026

We remind you that on December 22, 2025, the Brazilian underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. At the beginning of 2026, Neymar extended his contract with Santos until the end of this year, which allows him to fully focus on the preparation for the World Cup.

Neymar has 128 matches for the national team, in which he scored 79 goals and provided 59 assists. The last time the footballer appeared on the field for the national team was on October 18, 2023 in a match against Uruguay, which ended in a 0:2 defeat as part of the qualification for the World Cup.

The Brazilian team already knows its opponents in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. Seleção will play against Morocco (June 14), Haiti (June 20) and Scotland (June 25).