Neymar admits Qatar World Cup could be his last

Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar has claimed that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar could be his final tournament. The winger made his senior debut for the South American powerhouse 12 years ago and will turn 31 in just a few months.

“I’ll play like it’s the last,” Neymar recently told Globo. “I talk to my father, we always talk, to play each game as if it were the last because you don’t know what will happen tomorrow.”

“I can’t guarantee that I’ll play another [World] Cup… I honestly don’t know. I’ll play like it’s the last. Maybe I’ll play another one, maybe not. It depends. There’s going to be a coaching change and I don’t know if that coach will like me.”

Brazil head coach Tite will step away from the team after the conclusion of the World Cup in Qatar. A successor has not yet been named.

Neymar features in a dangerous Brazil attack

The five-time World Cup champions are the favorites to triumph in Qatar. Along with Neymar, they have one of the most potent attacks at the competition. Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Gabriel Jesus, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, and Richarlison headline an immensely talented and deep group of forwards for Tite to choose from.

Neymar also spoke about his impressive goal-scoring record as well. He is now just two goals away from Pele’s all-time record with the Brazil national team. “I’ve already built a long history in the national team and, for sure, I want to finish it well,” said Neymar.

“It’s more than I imagined, than I dreamt,” the winger continued. “I never thought about numbers, I never wanted to overtake anyone, break a record. I always just wanted to play football.”

Brazil begin their 2022 World Cup against Serbia on Thursday, November 24th. Group G of the tournament also features Cameroon and Switzerland.

Photo credit: IMAGO / Sebastian Frej