Before the 2022 World Cup, Neymar hinted it might be his last. However, after Brazil’s elimination in the quarterfinals, the Brazilian star reconsidered. In February the following year, during an interview with TNT Sports, Neymar didn’t rule out playing in the 2026 World Cup.
Now, he’s made it clear: “I want to play in the 2026 World Cup.” Neymar expressed this desire despite not having played a single match for the national team in their last 14 games.
In a recent interview with French media outlet RMC Sport, conducted by journalists Marion Bartoli and Benoît Boutron, Neymar was asked if winning the 2026 World Cup was his final career goal.
Neymar replied, “First of all, I want to have a good season with Al Hilal. I’ve just recovered from a serious injury. I still have time to get back to my level and show why I’m here. My priority is to fully recover, improve my physical fitness, and return to playing at my best. I also want to play in the 2025 Club World Cup with Al Hilal because it’s important for the club.”
He then addressed his aspirations for the 2026 World Cup, saying, “Of course, playing in the World Cup is every player’s dream. I’ve already played in three World Cups, and I definitely want to play in a fourth. I’ll stay focused and prepare well for it.”
Neymar, who played in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups, has had a career plagued with injuries. His latest major injury came on October 18 last year during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, where he suffered an ACL and meniscus injury in his left knee. Neymar returned to the field this October with Al Hilal but was sidelined again last month with another injury, which has delayed his return to Brazil’s national team until next year.
Currently, Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer. In September last year, he surpassed the legendary Pelé’s record of 77 goals in 92 matches, with Neymar now at 79 goals in 128 appearances. When asked if his childhood self had ever dreamt of such achievements, Neymar reflected:
“As a child, I dreamed of many things, but I’ve surpassed all of them. I dreamt of playing for Santos and Brazil, but God has given me so much more. I’m happy with my career; I’ve played for some of the biggest clubs and now I’m Brazil’s all-time leading scorer. I’m proud of this achievement.” He added, “My children will know that I was an important part of my country’s history.”
Brazil is set to play their next World Cup qualifiers in March next year, and Neymar is hopeful about making his return to the national team in those matches. When asked about it, he said, “Absolutely. I’ll be back. I’m preparing for that. They could’ve called me up this November, but after talking with the coach, I understood his decision not to. But next time, I’ll definitely be there with my teammates. There’s nothing better than representing your country, and I hope the team continues to improve.”
Brazil currently sits fifth in the South American qualifying table with 18 points from 12 matches. The top six teams from the continent will directly qualify for the 2026 World Cup, while the seventh team will have to go through a playoff.
