Brazilian football superstar Neymar once contemplated retiring from professional football, his father and agent, Neymar da Silva Santos Senior, has revealed. According to him, the thoughts of stepping away from the sport emerged as a result of persistent injuries and the psychological strain of long recovery periods.
Neymar is currently sidelined with a meniscus injury. Despite returning to play for Santos during critical moments last season, he was unable to perform at full fitness. On 22 December, the 33-year-old forward underwent surgery on his left knee.
In a recent interview on YouTube, Neymar Senior recounted the emotional toll the injury had on his son prior to the operation. “When news of the meniscus injury broke in the media, Neymar was mentally crushed,” he said. During a visit to his son’s home, Neymar reportedly expressed doubt about whether he could cope as he once did, and questioned whether surgery would even restore him to his former level.
Observing his son’s deep despair, Neymar Senior encouraged him to focus on two goals: recovering fully to respond to critics on the field, and preserving his dream of playing in the World Cup. It is worth noting that in October 2023, Neymar suffered severe ACL and meniscus injuries while representing Brazil in an international match, setting off a prolonged battle with fitness issues.
Neymar Senior also emphasised the importance of parental support in overcoming such challenges. He assured Neymar that he would be by his side throughout the surgical and rehabilitation process, providing both moral and emotional backing. This encouragement, according to the elder Santos, was pivotal in restoring Neymar’s mental strength.
Following this reassurance, Neymar demonstrated a marked turnaround the very next day. He resumed training, taking shots with both feet and showing renewed confidence. After scoring in a match, he reportedly told his father that he was determined to continue fighting until the very end.
Back with Santos in January 2025, Neymar managed to participate in half of the season’s fixtures in Brazil’s Série A, scoring eight goals—four of which came during the crucial closing stages of the campaign, helping the team avoid relegation.
Recent Career Highlights – Neymar
| Year | Club/National | Matches Played | Goals Scored | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Brazil | 12 | 5 | ACL & meniscus injury sustained |
| 2024 | Santos | 18 | 8 | Returned mid-season post-recovery |
| 2025 | Santos | 20 | 8 | Crucial goals prevented relegation |
| 2025 | Brazil | 3 | 2 | World Cup qualifying matches |
Currently, Neymar is expected to return fully fit before the start of the 2026 season. The Brazilian international remains his country’s all-time top scorer, netting 79 goals in 128 appearances, and has participated in three FIFA World Cups. His journey from contemplating retirement to regaining form underlines both his resilience and the vital role of familial support in professional sports.