Sponsorship and commercial partnership contracts force Neymar to backtrack on retirement

Ibrahim bin Mohammed

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 12:44 | 2 minutes read

Brazilian star Neymar Jr. has settled the controversy surrounding his professional future, deciding to officially return to his former club Santos in Brazil until the end of his contract in December, coinciding with his announcement of an irreversible retirement from international football after Brazil's bitter elimination by Norway in the 2026 World Cup.

According to press reports, led by a report from "Diário do Peixe," which is close to the club, Neymar has told those close to him that he cannot abandon Santos amid the severe financial crisis the club is facing, being barred from registering new players, and facing the threat of relegation in the Brazilian league.

The Brazilian striker's options were recently narrowed down to either final retirement or a move to the American league, but the stalled negotiations with FC Cincinnati, the commercial failure of the deal, and Neymar's obligations to sponsor companies made the option of full retirement economically impossible.

Wed, 08 2026

Family pressures also played a prominent role, as his father urged him via social media to continue and not end his career on a negative note.

Family matters also imposed themselves on the Brazilian star's decision, as Neymar and his partner Bruna Biancardi are expecting a new baby, and the player preferred to stay in Brazil to be by her side during the pregnancy at the family mansion on the coast of São Paulo.

Journalist Lucas Musetti (from UOL network) revealed that Neymar will arrive at Santos' headquarters next Friday to undergo a thorough and comprehensive medical examination program, with tests focusing on assessing the condition of the calf muscle, muscular balance, knee examination, as well as cardiac function tests.

Neymar is not expected to immediately join team training; he will undergo a physical transition stage and special rehabilitation, as he did not have a traditional summer break due to his full involvement in preparations for the last World Cup.

Definitions