This is Legacy, GOAL’s feature and podcast series following the road to the 2026 World Cup. Every week, we dive into the stories and legacies that shaped football’s greatest nations. This time we turn to Brazil, who are facing an identity crisis as they look to avoid the longest gap between global titles in the country's history. From the magic of 2002 to the heartbreaks that followed, it’s the story of a footballing superpower still searching for itself - and for its next star to lift the weight of a nation.
Neymar’s much-publicised injury struggles are said to have led the Brazilian legend to consider retirement. That is according to the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star’s father. Knee ligament damage led to Neymar’s contract at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal being terminated, while more fitness issues have been endured back at Santos.
Neymar has reportedly ended the speculation linking him with a move to Inter Miami or a return to Europe by agreeing a new contract with Santos. The veteran Brazilian superstar, who retraced steps to his roots in January 2025, is poised to sign fresh terms that will take him through the 2026 World Cup finals and to the end of another calendar year.
Neymar made a key Brazil "promise" ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America as he sent a selection message to Selecao boss Carlo Ancelotti. After helping Santos save relegation in the Brazilian top division, despite struggling with a knee issue in the final weeks of the campaign, the 33-year-old forward underwent knee surgery earlier this week.
Kylian Mbappe has been told that Paris Saint-Germain would not have won the Champions League had he stuck around in France, with it “fantasy” to believe that European success could ever have been savoured with the France international, Lionel Messi and Neymar lining up in the same starting XI. World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf has explained to GOAL why that is the case.
Santos and Brazil star Neymar has undergone knee surgery following the end of the season. The forward helped save Santos from relegation, despite struggling with a knee issue in the final weeks of the campaign, but has now gone under the knife. Santos have offered an update on his condition and an update on when he is expected to be fit again has been provided.
Vinicius Junior has been advised to “not do what Neymar did” when it comes to pushing for a move away from a European superpower. The Brazil international remains tied to Real Madrid for now, but talk of a transfer to the Saudi Pro League being completed refuses to go away. Fellow countryman Sandro believes Vinicius should stay put and compete for future Ballons d’Or.
Premier League teams have been warned off a move for Neymar, as he prepares to hit free agency, with clubs in England being told that any approach for the Brazil international would be “about how many shirts they sell”. Despite being a modern day great, Neymar is now 33 years old and has struggled with injury of late - leading to questions of what he has to offer in a sporting sense.
Santos president Marcelo Teixeira says he has a "positive expectation" that Neymar will extend his contract despite reported interest from Flamengo. The 33-year-old played a crucial role in keeping his boyhood club in the Brazilian top-flight and despite having a huge amount of affection for the Vila Belmiro side, the forward is unsure about his future as his contract ticks down.
Santos' contract talks with Neymar are reportedly at an 'advanced' stage but rivals Flamengo could potentially hijack that deal. The 33-year-old is set to be out of contract at his boyhood club despite helping them maintain their status in the Brazilian top flight this season. As his current terms tick down, it seems Santos and Flamengo are in a battle to secure the forward's services for the 2026 campaign.
Brazil superstar Neymar donned a balaclava as he jetted off on a wintery New York holiday with partner Bruna Biancardi amid his uncertain future at Santos. The 33-year-old returned to his boyhood club in January 2025, following an injury-plagued spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal, but has been linked with an exit as his current contract expires at the end of the month.
Brazilian superstar Neymar has reportedly "reached an understanding" with Santos to extend his stay at the club until the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The 33-year-old returned to his boyhood team in January, following an injury-plagued spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal, but has been linked with an exit as his current contract expires at the end of the month.
Former Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva has revealed the circumstances behind the "rift" which developed between Kylian Mbappe and Neymar during the latter stages of their time together at the Parisian giants. The pair, signed as the world's two most expensive players ever and amongst the biggest stars in the game at the time, shared a close friendship at first but saw issues between them grow over their period at the club.
Neymar's contract renewal with boyhood club Santos is set to be delayed, according to reports, as the Brazil superstar prepares for knee surgery. The 33-year-old is set to hold off on signing his extension until after the surgery has been completed, with the procedure expected to take place before Christmas. Neymar played through pain to ensure Santos avoided relegation from Brazil's Serie A, but will complete the knee procedure to keep his World Cup hopes alive.
Messi has lifted the trophy, but the real work starts now. Miami have decisions to make, Philadelphia's prodigy Cavan Sullivan is waiting for his chance, and every contender is hunting the right signing before February.
Santos president Marcelo Teixeira has confirmed that renewing Neymar's contract is a major priority, days after the Brazil international admitted he was unsure where his future lies. The former Barcelona star returned to his boyhood team at the start of the year and helped them avoid what would have been an embarrassing relegation from Serie A, but his current deal is now set to expire.
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