After a long battle with injuries and declining form, Neymar is fighting to reclaim his place among football’s elite. The Brazilian star is determined to make one final mark before the 2026 World Cup under the leadership of coach Carlo Ancelotti.
When Neymar left European football, many believed the most glorious chapter of his career had come to an end. Yet at 33, the Brazilian forward isn’t ready to fade away. According to Sport, Neymar is actively searching for a new club in Europe during the January 2026 transfer window — hoping to impress Brazil’s national team staff ahead of the World Cup.
However, reality has been harsh. No major European club has yet shown serious interest in signing him. Concerns over his fitness, age, and consistency have made it difficult for Neymar to convince top-tier teams that he can still perform at the highest level.
In this situation, the former Barcelona star is left with two realistic options. The first is to extend his contract with Santos for another six months to maintain match fitness. The second — and perhaps more feasible — is to move to the United States and join Inter Miami, where his old friends Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez are currently playing.
Sources from the U.S. suggest that Inter Miami will soon have two open Designated Player spots, as Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba are expected to retire after the 2025 season. This creates a “golden opportunity” for Neymar to make his MLS debut and reunite with his former Barcelona teammates — recreating the chemistry that once made them one of the most feared attacking trios in football history.
Neymar’s current deal with Santos expires in December. Although his relationship with the club remains positive, Santos’ management reportedly plans to complete an internal review before negotiating any extension. That means Neymar must quickly prove he still has the physical condition to compete at a professional level.
For Neymar, the 2026 World Cup represents more than just another tournament — it could be his last chance to redeem himself in the iconic yellow jersey of Seleção. His journey of self-redemption has already begun. The road back to greatness will not be easy, but his burning desire to once again represent Brazil on football’s grandest stage continues to fuel the comeback of the man once hailed as the “Little Pelé.”