Neymar Encouraged to 'Continue Playing Football' by His Father in
July 15, 2026 ·
Neymar recently announced his retirement from the Brazilian national team, but his father encouraged him to keep playing football and rediscover happiness on the pitch.
Neymar Encouraged to 'Continue Playing Football' by His Father in
According to Soccernews.
Background
Neymar, who currently plays for Santos, has a contract until the end of 2026 and has impressed with 17 goals in 43 appearances since returning in January 2025. Despite suffering an ACL injury before the World Cup, Neymar managed to help Santos stay in Serie A, and is now expected to lead his team to success in the coming season.
Why this is important
Neymar's decision to retire from the Brazilian national team marks the end of an extraordinary era for one of the world's best players. As Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer, Neymar has left a deep legacy in international football. However, his father's encouragement to continue playing could have a significant impact on his career at club level, especially in Serie A, where he still has a lot of potential to shine.
Main Points
- Neymar Encouraged to 'Continue Playing Football' by His Father in.
- Neymar has just announced his retirement from the Brazilian national team, but his father is encouraging him to keep playing football and rediscover happiness on the pitch.
- Neymar remains central to Brazil's plans.
Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, Brazil's star player who is now 34 years old, is in the spotlight after announcing his retirement from the Brazilian national team. This decision was taken after Brazil suffered a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the round of 16 of the World Cup. In that match, Neymar scored a goal from the penalty spot which became his final goal for the national team, making him the all-time top scorer for Brazil with a total of 80 goals.
Despite retiring from the international scene, Neymar's father, Neymar Sr., encouraged his son to continue his football career. In a post on Instagram, Neymar Sr. conveyed a hopeful message to his son not to rule out the possibility of playing again in the future.
"Oh, my son… What a beautiful journey this has been," wrote Neymar Sr. in his post. "A beautiful path. Challenging. Often painful, but countless blessings. Decisions taken do not define the entire story of your life. A dream that has not come true does not mean it has died. The ending of a story is never determined by difficult moments… I saw this boy grow into one of the greatest players of his generation in history. When I look back, I see so much more than trophies, goals, contracts or recognition. I see miracles. I see freedom. I see promises fulfilled. And when I look forward, I remain confident. The best does not depend on age or circumstances.
I want to ask something as a father. Son, keep playing football. Rediscover the joy of having the ball at your feet. Smile again on the field. Today you are healthy. God has given you another chance to do what you have always loved. Enjoy football. Don't carry the burden of decisions, criticism, expectations, or setbacks that life brings. Don't be afraid of tomorrow. Live for today. Practice. Smile. Play soccer. Please people once again. Do what God has put in your hands since you were little. And never forget that, even before the world admired you, you were always loved by God.
Before the World Cup, Neymar had not appeared for the national team since October 2023 due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, but he put in brilliant form with Santos before the tournament. The former Barcelona star has a contract with his boyhood club until the end of 2026. Since returning in January 2025, he has made 43 appearances in all competitions and scored 17 goals, helping his club stay in Serie A last season.
With encouragement from his father, many fans hope that Neymar will continue to play and give the best in his career, both at club and international level.
What happened next
With Neymar now focused on his club career at Santos, fans will be looking forward to seeing how he can return to his best form in Serie A. Despite retiring from the national team, Neymar is expected to rediscover the joy of playing football and make a meaningful contribution to Santos. This season, his performance will greatly influence the team's outlook and their ambitions in the league.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the goal in the Brazil vs Norway match?
Neymar scores a goal from the penalty spot in the Brazil vs Norway match.
What impact will Brazil's loss to Norway have on their position in the World Cup?
Brazil's 2-1 defeat to Norway resulted in them being eliminated in the last 16 of the World Cup.
How many total goals did Neymar score for the Brazilian national team?
Neymar scored a total of 80 goals for the Brazilian national team, making him the top scorer of all time.
What Neymar Sr said to Neymar about his football career?
Neymar Sr. encouraged Neymar to continue playing football and rediscover the joy of having the ball at his feet.
What is the next step for Neymar after retiring from the Brazilian national team?
The article does not mention Neymar's next move, but his father encouraged him to continue playing football.