Neymar, a football superstar from Brazil, has announced that he would not be playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
While he heals from a devastating knee injury, the 32-year-old striker has sworn to do all in his power to make the Brazilian team for the tournament that will be held in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
My Final Shot at the World Cup
I really would like to be present, therefore I will do my best. If given the chance, Neymar said CNN, he would “do everything in my power” to play for his country. I intend to make the most of my final opportunity to participate in the World Cup by giving it my all because I know this is it.
In a World Cup qualifier in October 2023, Neymar—Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals—ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee.
His availability for the international championship has been called into question due to the injury that has sidelined him since. Brazil is already in fifth position in the South American qualifications; nonetheless, Neymar is adamant about returning even better to assist his team earn a spot in the tournament.
With six matches left in the qualifications, the five-time World Cup winners will have a shot at earning automatic qualifying.
Sighting a Get-together at Inter Miami
Before his contract with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal expires in June 2025, Neymar has stated his desire to rejoin former Barcelona colleagues Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Major League Soccer club Inter Miami. However, his attention is currently on the World Cup.
It would be a wonderful experience to play again with Messi and Suarez. The two continue to communicate with each other, and they are friends of mine, Neymar said. Reviving these triumvirate would be an intriguing prospect. At Al-Hilal, I’m pleased, but what the future holds? Surprising things happen in football.
In the 2014–15 season, the trio memorably formed one of the most devastating offensive combinations in football history, helping Barcelona achieve a historic triple.
The Saudi Stint and Injury Crisis
Neymar joined Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain for €90 million in 2023, however he has only made seven appearances due to injury. The benefits to himself and his family have led Neymar to express contentment with his decision to join Al-Hilal, despite the hardships he has faced.
“The transfer window in the United States was closed when the news of my departure from Paris Saint-Germain broke, so I was not given the option of moving to Miami in 2023,” Neymar disclosed. Going to Saudi Arabia was the finest option because the project they presented was really favorable for both my family and myself.
During his six years with PSG, Neymar won many domestic titles and scored 118 goals. Despite his best efforts, the French team was unable to match his previous Champions League triumph with Barcelona.
