Neymar Jr. is basically playing a high-stakes game of "beat the clock" with his own body.
He's 33 now. In February, he’ll hit 34. For most players, that’s the "thinking about MLS or a cozy retirement" phase, but for the man who surpassed Pelé as Brazil's all-time leading scorer, it’s about one thing: the trophy that has eluded him through three heart-wrenching campaigns.
Honestly, the image of Neymar looking at World Cup glory right now is complicated. It's not the cocky, bleach-blonde kid from 2014 anymore. It's a veteran back at Santos, nursing a left knee that has seen more surgeons than a medical convention, trying to prove he still belongs on the world's biggest stage.
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The Santos Resurrection: Strategy or Sentiment?
In January 2026, Neymar did something most people didn't actually expect: he doubled down on home soil. He extended his contract with Santos FC through December 2026.
This wasn't just a "homecoming" for the vibes. It was a calculated move. By staying at Santos, he’s guaranteed a starting spot, a medical team that treats his knee like a national treasure, and a familiar environment where he doesn't have to deal with the relentless pressure of European media or the physical grind of the Saudi Pro League.
He’s currently coming off a minor arthroscopic procedure on that same left knee—the one he wrecked in late 2023. It’s been a rough ride. During the 2025 season, he managed to help Santos avoid relegation and even snagged a spot in the Copa Sudamericana, but he was playing through pain. He actually delayed his surgery just to make sure the club stayed up. That kind of sacrifice has bought him a lot of love back in Brazil, but the clock is ticking for the national team.
Is Carlo Ancelotti Buying It?
Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, isn't known for being a sentimentalist. He’s been pretty blunt about the whole thing.
"For the World Cup, we need players in top physical condition," Ancelotti said recently.
That’s a loud and clear message. Neymar hasn't suited up for the Seleção since that night in October 2023 against Uruguay. While he’s been away, the team has changed. You've got Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Raphinha—younger, faster, and currently more durable.
But here’s the thing: Brazil has looked... kinda mid without him. They’ve struggled in the qualifiers, sitting in fifth place at one point and drawing matches they should be winning. There is a creative void that only a player with Neymar's "eye for the pass" can fill.
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The "Luxury Substitute" Reality
There’s a rumor floating around—reported by UOL Esporte—that Neymar is actually open to a role change. Imagine Neymar as a "luxury substitute."
He knows he might not have 90 minutes of high-intensity pressing in him at 34. If he accepts coming off the bench to change a game in the final 30 minutes, it changes the math for Ancelotti. He wouldn't be the focal point you have to build the whole system around; he’d be the tactical "break glass in case of emergency" option.
- World Cup 2014: 4 goals (Ended in injury)
- World Cup 2018: 2 goals (Ended in the Quarter-finals)
- World Cup 2022: 2 goals (Ended in tears against Croatia)
He has 79 international goals. He’s the king of the stats, but he's missing the one medal that counts.
Why the 2026 World Cup is the "Last Dance"
Neymar has already gone on record saying 2026 will be his last shot. He told the Podpah podcast that he’ll be at the "right age" to compete, but he won't go beyond that.
It’s personal now. After the 2022 exit to Croatia, he was devastated. He almost walked away then. His father recently admitted that retirement was a serious conversation after the latest knee surgery in December 2025. The mental toll of rehab is real. Spending months in a gym alone while the world moves on is exhausting.
But he’s back on the grass at the Santos training ground. He’s targeting the March international break to show Ancelotti he can still hack it. If he doesn’t make that squad, the door starts to close very fast.
The Competition for the No. 10
It's not just about fitness; it's about fit.
Lucas Paquetá is the current incumbent in that creative role. He’s younger and playing regularly in the Premier League (at West Ham). For Neymar to take that spot back, he doesn't just need to be healthy; he needs to be better than guys who are in their physical prime.
What Neymar Needs to Do Next
If you’re a fan or just a casual observer of the drama, the next few months are the entire story. The 2026 World Cup is less than six months away.
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- February Fitness: He has to hit the pitch for Santos by early February. No more "load management" excuses.
- The March Test: If he isn't in the squad for the March friendlies, his chances of making the final 23-man roster drop significantly. Ancelotti needs to see how he integrates with the new tactical setup.
- Accepting the Role: He has to publicly and privately embrace the idea of being a squad player. The days of "Neymar + 10 others" are over. It has to be "Brazil + a healthy Neymar."
We're looking at a redemption arc or a quiet exit. There’s no in-between. Neymar is looking at the 2026 World Cup not as a king reclaiming a throne, but as a legend trying to settle a debt with his own legacy.
Keep an eye on the Santos match reports over the next four weeks. That’s where the real story is happening. If he can string together five full games without a setback, the "Neymar to the World Cup" hype train will be impossible to stop.
To track his progress, follow the official Santos FC injury updates and the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) squad announcements scheduled for late February. This is the final window for the No. 10 to make his case.