File photo: Brazilian Neymar (AP/PTI Image)
For a generation of Brazilian fans, Neymar was the face of the Seleção. Now, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, his country’s all-time top goalscorer has indicated that the tournament could mark the end of his journey on football’s biggest stage.The 34-year-old Santos striker sparked an emotional reaction after responding to a FIFA tribute on social media with a simple but loaded message: “The last dance.” This phrase, associated with Michael Jordan’s final season with the Chicago Bulls, seems to confirm that the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be his farewell appearance.Brazil, the only country to have participated in every edition of the tournament, will work to extend its record by appearing in the World Cup for the 23rd time as it seeks its sixth title and first since 2002.
A journey defined by brilliance and heartbreak
Neymar’s World Cup story was one of dazzling talent interrupted by brutal injuries. He emerged on the world scene in 2010 and became the star of the World Cup, which was held in Brazil in 2014, before a back injury ended his dream in the quarter-finals.There was redemption at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he scored the winning penalty kick to give Brazil its first Olympic gold medal in football. But the subsequent World Cup finals brought disappointment.
His injury-plagued 2018 season ended in the quarter-finals, while his international career suffered a devastating setback in 2023 when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.Since then, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has suffered recurring fitness issues, with a calf injury now threatening his participation in Brazil’s opening Group C match against Morocco.
One last mission for Brazil’s all-time top scorer
Despite suffering from injury, Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 128 matches, and he is expected to be part of a squad that mixes experience and youth.Alongside stars such as Alisson, Casemiro, Marquinhos, Vinicius Junior, Rafinha and teenager Endrik, Neymar is aiming to end Brazil’s 24-year wait for World Cup glory.For Neymar, the focus is firmly on one final act. After years of brilliance, tears and unfinished business, the man who has carried Brazil’s hopes for more than a decade is ready for one last dance.