"I know that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be my last World Cup" - Brazilian star Neymar

"I know that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be my last World Cup" - Brazilian star Neymar

Brazilian star Neymar, who plays for Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, has announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his last World Cup. After battling injuries for a long time, this forward has expressed his desire to work hard to be a part of the Brazilian team.

Once considered one of the most dangerous forwards in the world, Neymar currently plays for the Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal. However, due to repeated injuries, he has spent long periods off the field. In an interview with CNN, 32-year-old Neymar said, "I know this is my last World Cup, my last opportunity, and I will do everything I can to play."

He also did not rule out the possibility of reuniting with his former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez at Major League Soccer's club Inter Miami. Speaking at an award ceremony in Dubai, Neymar said, "It would be unbelievable to play again with Messi and Suárez."

Brazil is currently struggling in the World Cup qualifiers. After 12 rounds of the 18-round qualification, they are in fifth place in the 10-nation group. However, the top six teams will automatically qualify for the World Cup, and Brazil is five points ahead of Bolivia, who are in seventh place. Neymar said, "I have a lot of faith in the team, faith in the emerging young players. We don't want to be where we are right now."

Neymar added, "We have one to one and a half years to do the right things and qualify for the World Cup."

In October 2023, during a loss to Uruguay, Neymar had started the first four qualifying matches, but he was forced to leave the field at halftime due to an injury. After knee surgery, he was out for a year.

Although he returned for two brief appearances with Al Hilal in October and November, he has not played further due to a hamstring injury. Neymar said, "I want to be in the World Cup, I will try my best, and I will work hard to be with the Brazilian team."

When the World Cup begins, Neymar will be 34 years old. Before that, he may play in the United States. Al Hilal will participate in the expanded Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States in June, where Messi and Suárez’s Inter Miami will also compete.

Neymar said, "They are my friends. We still talk to each other. It will be interesting to revive this trio." He also said, "I am happy in Saudi Arabia, but football is full of wonders. When I left Paris Saint-Germain, there was no opportunity to move to the United States because the transfer window was closed at that time."