Neymar contemplated retirement from football following his recent injury, as revealed by his father and agent, Neymar da Silva Santos Sr.
The Brazilian star faced challenges due to a meniscus injury but continued to represent Santos during the critical phase of last season before undergoing a minor procedure on his left knee on December 22.
In a YouTube interview with Rafa Tecla T – Experiências reais, Neymar Sr. shared insights from a discussion he had with Neymar before the surgery.
“He sustained a meniscus injury that the media reported before we even got to discuss it with him, leaving him overwhelmed. I visited him at home and asked, ‘So, how are you?’
“He replied, ‘I can’t take it anymore. Let’s proceed with the surgery. Dad … I don’t even know if it’s worth it anymore. I’m just tired of it all.’
Neymar Sr. advised his son to concentrate on proving his critics wrong by getting back on the field and achieving his goal of participating in the World Cup.
Neymar suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee while playing for Brazil in October 2023, and he has faced ongoing fitness issues since then.
“I told him, ‘If you want to have the surgery so that we can focus on your recovery, I’m fully supportive,'” Neymar Sr. said.
“The following morning, he began training and practicing his kicks. Then he paused, shook his head, and said, ‘I think I can do it.’ He played in the game and scored.”
“When he scored, he looked at me and declared that he was committed to pushing through.”
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Although Neymar played in only half of Brazil’s Serie A matches since his return to Santos in January 2025, his eight goals, including four in the final matches, were vital in helping the team avoid relegation.
Neymar is anticipated to recover in time for the start of the 2026 Brazilian Serie A season later this month. He is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances and has participated in three World Cups.