Football World Cup: Neymar leaves his future open after the World Cup

Neymar’s eyes expressed nothing: no joy, no hope, no understanding, there was just emptiness. It was just before midnight when the Brazilian superstar snuck through the dim lights of the stadium’s aisles. His eyes darted around as if he were looking for someone. But there was nothing: just a number of journalists calling his name.

What was it? Why was the Seleção eliminated again in the quarter-finals of a World Cup? And anyway: what will become of him, Neymar, the most talented player of an uncrowned football generation?

Neymar: “This defeat will hurt for a long time”

The 30-year-old stopped at almost everyone for a short while. His voice was as monotonous as his gaze. “This defeat will hurt for a long time,” he said after beating Croatia 4-2 on penalties. The attacker left open whether he still wanted to tackle the 2026 World Cup or even play for the Seleção again: “It’s very early to talk about it. I’m not closing the door to the Seleção. But I don’t guarantee 100 percent either that I will return.” He’ll have to think a little about everything now. In front of the colorful advertising boards of the world association FIFA, Neymar looked as if he couldn’t understand it at all.

There are people who are close to him and said before the tournament in Qatar: Neymar, who is not exactly known for his excessive professionalism, has never prepared as professionally as he did for this World Cup. The outgoing national coach Tite confirmed these impressions shortly before the opening game against Serbia (2-0). “First of all, Neymar is praised because he listened to his professional conscience,” he told “Sport Bild”. This world championship should be his. The coronation in the national jersey. The only thing missing was this golden trophy. Now he could remain the unfinished number ten forever.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t achieve our goal, our dream,” he said, deeply disappointed. “It’s a detail that decides whether you progress or not.” That one detail, he actually seemed to have it on his side. After a previously weak 105 minutes, Neymar showed just before extra time why Tite had left him on the field anyway. He ran the ball centrally towards the Croatian guard, played two one-twos and was then free in front of the outstanding goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. He circled it and scored the 1-0.

Neymar misses the penalty shoot-out

It was his 77th goal for the Seleção, drawing level with Pelé. “Finally I can congratulate you on being equal to my number of goals for the Seleção,” wrote the cancer-stricken “King” via Instagram. It was this one, his brilliant moment. Everything could have been so beautiful. But shortly afterwards Bruno Petković (117th) managed to equalize. Brazil lost their nerve in the penalty shoot-out.

It fits with Neymar’s personal tragedy that he couldn’t even compete himself. Tite had chosen him as the fifth and decisive shooter. But that never happened because Rodrygo and Marquinhos missed. The Croatians converted every one of their penalties. Instead of propelling Brazil to the semifinals, Neymar slumped on the lawn of Education City Stadium. At first he crouched alone near the point of impact. Tears flowed later, too. “It’s a very sad moment,” he said hours later. Coach Tite and captain Thiago Silva had already confirmed their departures. And Neymar? “I’m going to have to think a little bit about everything now.”