1 hour ago
6
ARTICLE AD BOX
Last Updated:March 18, 2026, 22:55 IST
Neymar admits his career is nearing its end as he races to be fit for one last World Cup, with Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti still leaving the door open.
In an emotional admission, Neymar acknowledged what many have quietly been thinking. (AFP)
The end might be closer than ever for Neymar, and the Brazilian isn’t shying away from it.
Now 34 and battling fitness concerns, the Santos FC forward finds himself in a race against time to make what could be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
With one final squad announcement looming, the script hasn’t been fully written.
“My Career Is Coming to an End"
If there was any doubt about how seriously Neymar is taking this moment, his recent comments erased it.
In an emotional admission, the Brazilian acknowledged what many have quietly been thinking.
🎙️Neymar:“This is my last World Cup."
“I don’t even know if this will be my last year with the Seleção but it’s coming to an end and we have to know that."
“I always tell my family and friends: ‘Enjoy as much as you can, because it will end.’"pic.twitter.com/xaZNt2vkAn
— Ginga Bonito 🇧🇷 (@GingaBonitoHub) March 18, 2026
“This is my last World Cup… I don’t even know if this will be my last year with the national team."
“My career is coming to an end and I have to know that."
“I always tell my family and friends: enjoy as much as you can because it will end."
It’s a stark shift in tone for a player who once looked destined to dominate the global stage for years.
Still Fighting for One Last Shot
Despite the setbacks, Neymar hasn’t given up.
Speaking during a Kings League Brazil broadcast, he addressed his omission with honesty, but also defiance.
Neymar’s reaction to the call-ups yesterday:“Hey Ancelotti, what about me?!"
“We were not called up. I’m sad, obviously."
“Everything is fine, now it’s time to keep working, keep improving in everything. And if there’s an opportunity, be prepared."pic.twitter.com/5WscK5vPRN
— Ginga Bonito 🇧🇷 (@GingaBonitoHub) March 18, 2026
“Obviously I’m upset and sad not to have been selected. But the focus remains the same… training session after training session, match after match."
“There’s still one final squad announcement to go and the dream lives on."
Ancelotti Hoping For The Best
Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti, while naming his latest squad, admitted Neymar is still not at full fitness. The former PSG star has yet to feature in any of Ancelotti’s squads since the Italian took charge in June.
Still, the door hasn’t been slammed shut.
With the final World Cup squad set to be announced on May 18, Ancelotti has made it clear that Neymar remains in contention, provided he can prove his fitness and form in time.
First Published:
March 18, 2026, 22:55 IST
News sports football 'This Is My Last World Cup': Neymar Faces His Own Football Mortality Amid Brazil Snub
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Read More
English (US) ·