2022 World Cup could be my last: Neymar

Brazil's forward Neymar celebrates after scoring against Paraguay during their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier football match in Sao Paulo, Brazil on March 28, 2017.[AFP, Miguel Schincariol]

Paris St Germain and Brazilian superstar Neymar is contemplating retiring from international football after the 2022 World Cup.

Neymar (29), has had a successful career with Brazil so far but has failed to lead them to glory in football’s greatest competition.

Neymar has already eclipsed records set by legends Romario and Zico, becoming the country’s all-time leading scorer with 69 goals, having only played 114 times.

Speaking in DAZN’s new documentary dubbed ‘Neymar & The Line Of Kings’, Neymar spoke of the toll the game has taken on him, confessing he might not be able to continue with Brazil past 2022.

“Man, I think it will be my last World Cup,” said the Brazilian.

“I am facing it like the last World Cup because I don’t know whether I will be able to, mentally, to endure more soccer. I will do everything possible to get there very well. I will do all I can to win it with my country and realise my dream, the biggest since my boyhood. I hope I can achieve it,” Neymar added.

Neymar failed to register a goal in Brazil’s 0-0 draw with Colombia on Monday morning, even though La Selecao remains top of the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying group with 28 points after 10 games.

Neymar’s only success with Brazil was in 2013 after the team beat Spain 3-0 to win the FIFA Confederations Cup. 

Neymar’s sensational club career:

 Neymar controls the ball during the International friendly football match between Brazil and Croatia at Anfield in Liverpool on June 3, 2018. [AFP, Oli Scarff]

SANTOS: Six trophies won

Campeonato Paulista (3) - 2010, 2011, 2012

Copa do Brasil (1) – 2010

Copa Libertadores (1) – 2011

Recopa Sudamericana (1) – 2012

BARCELONA: Six trophies won

La Liga (2) – 2014-15, 2015-16

Copa del Rey (3) – 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17

Supercopa de Espana (1) - 2013

UEFA Champions League (1) – 2014-15

FIFA Club World Cup (1) – 2015

PARIS ST GERMAIN: 10 trophies won

Ligue 1 (3) – 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20

Coupe de France (3) – 2017-18, 2019-20, 2020-21

Coupe de la Ligue (2) – 2017-18, 2019-20

Trophée des Champions               (2) – 2018 and 2020