As the 2026 World Cup looms, Neymar Jr. faces a pivotal moment in his career. With his contract at Al Hilal set to expire in December 2025, the 33-year-old Brazilian superstar has just six months to secure a spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad. The Italian coach has hinted that his March roster will largely mirror the World Cup lineup, putting immense pressure on Neymar to prove his worth. According to a recent report from SPORT, only two realistic paths lie ahead for the former Barcelona star: a blockbuster reunion with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami or a short-term extension with Brazilian club Santos.
Neymar’s career trajectory took a sharp turn after leaving Paris Saint-Germain for Al Hilal in 2023, the same transfer window that saw Messi join Inter Miami. Since then, Neymar’s time in Saudi Arabia has been marred by persistent injuries, including a devastating ACL tear. The forward has managed just 21 competitive starts, a stark contrast to Messi’s prolific 73 starts and 73 goals for Inter Miami over the same period. Neymar’s recurring muscle issues have cast a shadow over his future, scaring off potential suitors and ruling out a return to European clubs like Inter Milan or Napoli, despite earlier rumors.
Inter Miami, however, remains undeterred. The MLS franchise, co-owned by David Beckham, is reportedly eager to unite Neymar with his former Barcelona teammate Messi. The Herons have already defied MLS salary cap rules to accommodate stars like Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suárez, and recent addition Rodrigo De Paul. With Busquets and Alba nearing retirement, Inter Miami could free up Designated Player (DP) slots to register Neymar alongside De Paul, whose loan from Atlético Madrid is expected to become permanent in January 2026. The club’s knack for “legal gymnastics” has made such a high-profile signing plausible, even within MLS’s financial constraints.
Alternatively, Neymar could opt for a six-month contract extension with Santos, his boyhood club in Brazil. Ancelotti has shown openness to selecting players from Brazil’s top flight, as evidenced by recent call-ups for Corinthians’ Hugo Souza and Cruzeiro’s Fabricio Bruno. However, the Brazil coach emphasized that Neymar’s fitness, not his club, will determine his World Cup fate. “Neymar can play at his highest level in this team without any problems,” Ancelotti said. “When he is in good physical condition, he has the quality to play not only in Brazil but in any team in the world because of his talent.”
With time running out, Neymar’s next move will be critical. A reunion with Messi at Inter Miami could reignite his career on a global stage, while staying with Santos offers a chance to rebuild his fitness closer to home. Either way, the clock is ticking for one of football’s most electrifying talents to secure his World Cup destiny.