Neymar contemplated retirement amid injury struggles, says father

Neymar considered retiring from football after struggling with a series of injuries, his father, Neymar da Silva Santos Sr, revealed in a YouTube interview with Rafa Tecla T.

The Brazilian forward, who suffered a meniscus and ACL injury in his left knee during international duty in October 2023, continued to play for Santos before undergoing minor surgery on 22 December.

Neymar Sr. spoke about the emotional toll the injury had on his 33-year-old son.

"He got a meniscus injury, the press leaks it before we talk to him, and his head goes blank. It's so much to take in … I go to my son's house. 'So, how are you?'" Neymar Sr. said.

"He turns to me and says, 'I can't take it anymore. Let's operate. Dad … I don't even know if it's worth operating. As for me, I've had enough.'"

Neymar Sr. encouraged his son to focus on two priorities: returning to action to respond to critics and fulfilling his World Cup mission.

"I said, 'Son, if you want to have surgery so we can focus on your recovery and you get well, I'm with you,'" he explained.

After deciding to persevere, Neymar returned to training and quickly regained form.

"The next morning he started training, kicking left, right … Then he looked, shook his head, 'I think I can do it'. He went to the game and scored the goal. When he scored, he looked at me and said that he was going to the end," his father recalled.

Despite playing only half of Brazil's Serie A games since January 2025, Neymar’s eight league goals, including four in the final rounds, were vital in keeping Santos in the top flight. He is expected to be fit for the start of the 2026 season.