Neymar’s father worried about his career, hints at retirement

Brazilian football star Neymar once contemplated retiring from the sport, his father and agent, Neymar da Silva Santos Senior, has revealed. According to him, the decision came amid the physical and mental strain of recurring injuries and a prolonged rehabilitation process.

At present, Neymar is grappling with a meniscus injury. Despite returning to the field for Santos during crucial moments last season, he was never fully fit. On 22 December, the 33-year-old forward underwent surgery on his left knee to address the issue.

Speaking in a YouTube interview, Neymar Senior described his son’s mental state prior to the operation. “When news of his meniscus injury broke in the media, Neymar was devastated,” he said. “During a visit to his home, he confided in me that he could no longer cope as he once had and was unsure if surgery would even restore him fully.”

The father noticed deep despair in his son. To help him regain focus, Neymar Senior advised him to concentrate on two objectives: overcoming the injury to respond to his critics on the pitch and maintaining his dream of playing in the World Cup. Notably, Neymar had suffered severe ACL and meniscus injuries while representing Brazil in an international fixture in October 2023, after which he has been battling fitness challenges.

Neymar Senior reassured his son that he would remain by his side throughout the surgical recovery process. This unwavering support, he says, played a crucial role in restoring Neymar’s mental resilience.

The very next day, Neymar began showing signs of renewed optimism. He returned to training, taking shots with both feet, demonstrating a recovery of confidence. After scoring on the pitch, he told his father that he was determined to continue fighting until the end.

Upon returning to Santos in January 2025, Neymar was able to participate in half of the Serie A season, scoring eight goals, four of which came in the closing stages, playing a pivotal role in helping his team avoid relegation.

Neymar’s Career Highlights:

Neymar is expected to be fully fit ahead of the 2026 season. As Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, he continues to inspire both on and off the pitch, overcoming injuries that once brought him to the brink of considering retirement.