Father’s Emotional Revelation Highlights Brazilian Star’s Mental and Physical Struggles.

Neymar retirement consideration injury

In a heartfelt revelation, Neymar da Silva Santos Sr has disclosed that his son, Neymar Jr, came perilously close to retiring from professional football just months ago amid severe injury struggles during his return to boyhood club Santos.

Speaking candidly, Neymar Sr recounted a desperate conversation: “I can’t do this anymore. I need surgery, but I don’t even know if it’s worth it, Dad. I’m exhausted.” The 33-year-old icon confided these doubts while battling persistent pain that limited his mobility and effectiveness on the pitch.

Despite the turmoil, Neymar chose to persevere – often playing through significant discomfort – to help Santos stave off relegation in the 2025 Brazilian Serie A season. His contributions proved pivotal, guiding the Peixe to safety and securing qualification for the 2026 Copa Sudamericana.

This act of resilience has further solidified Neymar’s legendary status at Santos, where he rose to global stardom before moves to Barcelona, PSG, and Al-Hilal. Fans and pundits alike hail his sacrifice as emblematic of true club loyalty in an era often defined by mercenary transfers.

Neymar’s injury woes have plagued the latter stages of his career, including a major ACL tear in 2023 while at Al-Hilal. His emotional homecoming to Santos was meant as a fresh chapter, but the physical toll nearly ended it prematurely.

As Neymar continues his recovery and on-field efforts, this insight offers a rare glimpse into the mental battles faced by even the most gifted athletes.