Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 7: Brazilian football superstar Neymar has strongly suggested that the 2026 FIFA World Cup may mark the final chapter of his international career, describing the tournament as his “last dance” in a social media interaction that has sparked widespread discussion among football fans.
The 34-year-old forward made the comment in response to a FIFA post celebrating his journey in the sport. The post featured images from different stages of his career alongside the caption, “We've watched him grow up.” Neymar replied with the phrase “The last dance,” a reference widely associated with basketball icon Michael Jordan and his final season with the Chicago Bulls in 1997-98.
Brazil will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for a record 23rd time, extending its unique distinction as the only nation to have appeared in every edition of football’s biggest tournament. The upcoming World Cup will also be historic as it will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation, Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, having netted 79 goals in 128 international appearances. However, his recent years have been heavily impacted by injuries.
The striker has not represented Brazil since suffering a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay in October 2023. Since then, he has faced a series of fitness setbacks, including a recent calf injury that could affect his availability for upcoming international fixtures.
Neymar’s international journey began when he emerged as one of Brazil’s brightest young talents ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He quickly established himself as a key figure for the national team and became the face of Brazilian football during the 2014 FIFA World Cup hosted on home soil. However, his tournament ended in heartbreak after he suffered a serious back injury during the quarter-final victory over Colombia.
Two years later, Neymar delivered one of the defining moments of his career by captaining Brazil to its first-ever Olympic football gold medal at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics, converting the decisive penalty in the final at the iconic Maracanã Stadium.
His club career has also taken him through some of football’s biggest stages. After achieving major success with FC Barcelona and later with Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar moved to Al Hilal in 2023. However, his time in Saudi Arabia was disrupted by injury shortly after his arrival.
Now back with Santos FC, the forward appears determined to make one final push toward the 2026 World Cup. If selected, the tournament could serve as a fitting farewell for one of Brazil’s most celebrated footballers, whose career has combined remarkable achievements with moments of both triumph and adversity.