Brazilian star Neymar returned to his boyhood club Santos on Friday, with only months left on his contract, amid questions about his future after he indicated he would not play for the Seleção again following the disappointment of an early exit from the 2026 World Cup.

Neymar, who has suffered from injuries, was called up to the five-time world champions' squad for the United States, Canada and Mexico World Cup after nearly three years since his last appearance in Brazil's shirt, playing only 37 minutes across two matches.

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His only goal, from a penalty kick, was not enough to prevent his country's early exit after a 1-2 loss to Norway in the round of 16. A video clip edited with artificial intelligence technology, created by a fan, circulated on social media showing a young Neymar asking the current Neymar to strive for Brazil's sixth World Cup title in 2030.

Brazil's all-time top scorer (80 goals in 130 international appearances) commented on the post by adding three laughing/crying emojis.

The forward returned in January 2025 to his boyhood club Santos from Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, and his contract ends this December.

After undergoing surgery on his left knee late last year, Neymar has only played 8 of the 19 matches Santos has contested in the Brazilian league this year.

Nevertheless, he scored four goals and provided two assists, showing glimpses of the player who dazzled fans at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

A source at Santos told AFP that Neymar's contract renewal will largely depend on the board elections in December.

Santos president Marcelo Teixeira, who led Neymar's return, has not announced whether he will run for re-election.

A club official told AFP, on condition of anonymity, 'The first question was whether Neymar would stop playing.'

For his part, Neymar, who broke down in tears after the final whistle against Norway, said, 'It ends here.'

Amid press speculation about his final retirement, his father and agent, Neymar Santos Sr., urged him not to give up.

In an emotional message published via video on Instagram, he wrote, 'Son, keep playing football. Feel the joy of touching the ball with your feet again, smile on the field once more.'

He added, 'Don't be afraid of tomorrow.'

Media reports indicated that Neymar is considering continuing his career in the American league and that negotiations took place with Cincinnati, but they were not successful.

Many veteran stars play in the American league, most notably Argentine Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Frenchman Antoine Griezmann (Orlando City), and German Thomas Müller (Vancouver Whitecaps).