Neymar’s Last Shot at the 2026 World Cup
PARIS: Brazilian star Neymar has ended his 18-month stay in Saudi Arabia, with his club, Al-Hilal, announcing they had "agreed to terminate the player’s contract by mutual consent." The 32-year-old forward has been struggling with injuries, playing just seven times since joining the club in August 2023.
A Career in Decline
Neymar’s career has been marked by a series of high-profile moves, including a world-record transfer to Paris St-Germain in 2017 for a fee of €220 million. He played alongside Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, but the trio failed to gel, and he was eventually pushed to the exit and to Saudi Arabia.
A Return to Brazil?
A return to Brazil would likely be Neymar’s last chance to play in the 2026 World Cup, to be held in the US, Canada, and Mexico. He has expressed his desire to play in the tournament, saying, "I know this will be my last World Cup, my last shot, my last chance and I will do everything I can to play in it."
A Fading Star
Neymar’s career has been marked by a series of injuries, including a ruptured cruciate ligament in his left knee that kept him on the sidelines for a year. He has also struggled with a hamstring injury, which has limited his playing time. His current coach, Jorge Jesus, has said that he can no longer play at the level expected of him.
A Legacy in Brazil
Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 127 matches. He made his name at Santos, where he scored 107 goals in 177 appearances, earning him comparison to the great Pele. He won the Champions League title with Barcelona in 2015 and the men’s football gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Conclusion
Neymar’s career is at a crossroads, with his latest move to Saudi Arabia ending in disappointment. A return to Brazil could be his last chance to play in the 2026 World Cup, but it remains to be seen if he can overcome his injuries and regain his form.
FAQs
- What is Neymar’s current situation with Al-Hilal?
Neymar’s contract with Al-Hilal has been terminated by mutual consent. - What are Neymar’s plans for the 2026 World Cup?
Neymar has expressed his desire to play in the 2026 World Cup, but it remains to be seen if he can overcome his injuries and regain his form. - What is Neymar’s current injury status?
Neymar has been struggling with a hamstring injury, which has limited his playing time.