Neymar Jr., the celebrated Brazilian forward, recently contemplated an early retirement from professional football at the age of 33. This profound consideration stemmed from a grueling three-year period marred by persistent and debilitating injuries. Known for his exceptional dribbling skills and unique talent, Neymar has long been regarded as one of football’s most gifted players. However, recurring injury setbacks and occasional disciplinary issues have significantly impacted his illustrious career, leading to a noticeable decline in his performance and immense mental pressure.
Throughout the past three years, injuries have heavily plagued the career of the dazzling forward. His playing form gradually diminished, coinciding with a significant rise in mental strain. Despite these challenges, Neymar’s initial rise was meteoric. His remarkable performances with Santos FC in 2013 captivated the football world, leading to his high-profile transfer to Spanish giants Barcelona for over $81 million. During his four years in Spain, Neymar solidified his reputation as a global superstar, achieving numerous accolades including the La Liga title and the UEFA Champions League. Following this successful spell, the then-25-year-old made a historic move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), becoming the world’s most expensive player at €222 million (more than $240 million).
However, his tenure in France was largely defined by a string of injuries. After just over two seasons, persistent physical issues started to erode his prominence at the Parisian club. The frequent injuries ultimately compelled PSG to offload Neymar, selling him to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal in the 2024 season in an effort to recoup some of their investment. The transfer to the Saudi Pro League did not offer the respite Neymar had hoped for. Instead, his struggles continued as he suffered another severe injury – a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a serious left knee injury – after playing only five matches. This setback led to extensive rehabilitation, eventually resulting in Al Hilal terminating his contract prematurely.
In a poignant turn of events, Neymar found himself returning to his boyhood club, Santos FC, where his professional journey began. The club that once nurtured his prodigious talent welcomed back a player now battling chronic physical issues, signing him to a contract that extends until 2026. It was during this challenging period, around late 2025, that Neymar’s father revealed the depth of his son’s despair. He confessed that Neymar Jr. had seriously considered abandoning his football career altogether due to the overwhelming impact of his injuries. The constant pain and disruption had severely diminished his passion for the sport.
Neymar’s emotional plea to his father underscored his frustration: ‘I cannot accept this situation (the injuries) anymore. I need surgery, but I don’t know what value it will have for me now. I am exhausted.’ This raw confession highlighted the immense mental and physical toll his recurring ailments had taken. Despite these profound struggles, Neymar demonstrated incredible resilience. Towards the end of the 2024-25 season with Santos, he postponed surgery, choosing instead to play through his injuries to help the club avoid relegation from Brazil’s top-tier league. His significant contributions were instrumental in securing their survival.
Throughout his career, the former Brazilian international has sustained a total of 43 injuries, resulting in 1,445 days spent in recovery and missing 249 matches for both club and country. His longest period of incapacitation occurred in the 2023-24 season, sidelining him for 300 days. Each return to the pitch has been a testament to his enduring patience and determination. However, retirement is not his ultimate decision. Neymar harbors a significant ambition: to represent Brazil once more at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Currently, Neymar is undergoing specialized surgery and rehabilitation with the combined medical teams of Santos FC and the Brazilian national squad. This dedicated care offers a glimmer of hope for the gifted yet often beleaguered star, fueling aspirations for his return to the national team before the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup.
