Brazilian star Neymar made it clear that he had no intention of hanging up his boots soon, insisting that he continue playing until he no longer meets his standards.
The 33-year-old striker recently renewed his deal with Santos, committed to staying in touch with his childhood club until the end of the year, with the option to continue until the 2026 World Cup.
Neymar’s wife, Bruna Biancardi, asked him in a next interview with friends and family what motivated him to continue playing professionally. Former Barcelona and PSG star said:
“What drives me is my still love for football.
“I’m eager to play, on the court, that’s what drives me; wake up, train. My love for football will never end. It will be with me for the rest of my life. At some point, the desire to play is because I can’t do it again, because I no longer perform the effect as I want.
“As long as I still desire to play football, you have to share me, my love.”
Neymar returned to Santos earlier this year after termination of his contract with Al Hilal, where he endured the difficulties of injury.
In October 2023, severe ACL tears significantly limited his time on the court when he was in Brazil with international responsibilities.
Neymar Le Répète Encore et encore: son Primeétaitau psg! ❤️💙🔥
“”𝗮𝗶𝗲𝘂𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘂𝗣𝗦𝗚, 𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘂𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗲𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟳𝗲𝘁: 𝗷’𝗲́𝘁𝗮𝗶𝘀!pic.twitter.com/c0xkr8sqol
– Instant Foot⚽️ (@lstantfoot) June 29, 2025
Since his comeback, he has performed just three goals and three assists in 15 games in 2025 with his muscle setbacks over and over again, trying to regain a place in the national team setting.
Throughout his career, Neymar has been under the microscope, not only for performance, but for his off-site lifestyle. In the same interview, he opened the door to the losses the public has caused to him.
He told his wife: “I can’t control what others think.”
“It’s hard to answer people who absolutely don’t know what we do…judgment is easy, but it’s difficult to understand what’s behind it.
“So, I’ve been a little sad throughout my career because people who don’t know me talk about me, not just about football.
“I know I’m a good person and it’s hard to face. I hope they’re more important to what really matters on the court.
“Now, with the help of the internet and social media, it’s hard for people to focus on the athletes themselves.
“The people who are judged in some way, sometimes even people who don’t know me, people who don’t know my daily life, people who don’t know the hard work I put in for themselves and my family.
“When it comes to the internet, I have a strong mindset. I can take a look, but it won’t hurt me, it won’t hurt me mentally.”
“My football career will end, my name will remain in history, but it will end, years will pass, other players and generations will come and go. I always say it’s important to know people.”
Source link
