Neymar’s soccer prospects hinge on a call-up to Brazil’s team for the 2026 World Cup. Following his injury and assisting Santos in evading relegation, his only aim is a return to the Seleção.
Neymar’s Sole Motivation: One Last World Cup Run
Neymar isn’t finished yet, and the 2026 World Cup is what motivates him to continue.
Reports from Brazil indicate that sources tied to the Brazilian superstar believe his football future depends on one phone call: an invitation to the Brazil team.
No World Cup, no progress. It’s that clear. At this moment, Neymar possesses a single motivation — to compete and triumph in the World Cup one final time.
All his actions stem from that one fixation. Neymar is not focused on contracts, discussions about his legacy, or what lies ahead. It’s entirely about pushing to reclaim his spot in the Seleção lineup for 2026.
That aspiration has maintained a distance from retirement. Following over a year absence from international football, Neymar is focused on demonstrating that his body can still handle competition at the highest level. His final appearance for Brazil resulted in disaster in October 2023, as a severe ACL and meniscus tear brought his career to a critical point
The recovery since that time has been gradual, unpredictable, and harsh. While there is no confirmed return date at this time, there is increasing optimism that Neymar may recover in time for the upcoming Brazilian Serie A season later this month, which is a pivotal moment in his World Cup pursuit.
This also involves more than just individual redemption. Neymar postponed his surgery to assist his childhood club Santos in their fight against relegation, opting for risk instead of recovery. It was worth it. His presence was essential; Santos remained conscious, and it was only after that he underwent surgery.
Rehabilitation is currently in progress. Neymar has returned to the gym, beaming, yet he stays pragmatic.
✅FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions)
What motivates Neymar to continue playing football?
Neymar is motivated solely by the goal of returning to Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Does Neymar’s future depend on World Cup selection?
Yes. Reports suggest Neymar sees World Cup selection as the deciding factor for his football future.
What injury did Neymar suffer in 2023?
He sustained a severe ACL and meniscus tear during an international match in October 2023.
Why did Neymar delay surgery?
Neymar postponed surgery to help Santos avoid relegation before beginning rehabilitation.

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