In a testament to his unwavering spirit, Brazilian soccer icon Neymar has declared his determination to represent his nation one final time at the 2026 World Cup, despite facing significant injury setbacks that have threatened to derail his career.
The 32-year-old forward's journey has been marred by a series of devastating injuries. During Brazil's World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023, he suffered a severe double injury - tearing both his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus. His attempted comeback was further complicated by a subsequent hamstring injury.
"I will try. I want to be there. I will do everything I can to be part of the national team," Neymar stated emphatically in a recent interview. "I know this will be my last World Cup, my last shot, my last chance and I will do everything I can to play in it."
Throughout his decorated career, the World Cup trophy has remained frustratingly elusive for Neymar, despite his success in capturing both the Confederations Cup and Olympic gold. His World Cup campaigns have been marked by misfortune - from the career-threatening back injury in 2014 that preceded Brazil's historic 7-1 defeat to Germany, to the quarter-final exit against Belgium in 2018. Even in Qatar 2022, where he matched Pelé's record for official goals scored for Brazil, his tournament ended in heartbreak with a penalty shootout loss to Croatia.
Brazil's road to the 2026 World Cup has been unexpectedly rocky, with the five-time champions currently occupying fifth place in South American qualifying, having secured only five victories in twelve matches. Nevertheless, Neymar maintains optimism about the team's prospects.
"I have a lot of faith in the team, in the players who are emerging, who are young," he affirmed. "It's a young team. Today, we're not in a position where we would like to be. I think together we can achieve something very big. We have a year, a year-and-a-half to work, to do the right things to reach the World Cup."
Recent developments have offered glimpses of hope, with Neymar finding the net in an unofficial friendly for Al-Hilal against Al-Fayha. As crucial matches approach in both the King's Cup and Saudi Pro League, his return to form could prove vital not only for his club but also in his quest to secure his place in what he hopes will be a triumphant final World Cup campaign.
