Neymar has left the door open to ending his playing career once his current contract with Santos comes to an end later this year.

The Brazilian forward, one of the most decorated players of his generation, has not ruled out hanging up his boots when his deal with the São Paulo club expires — leaving the football world uncertain about whether the 33-year-old will play on beyond 2025.

Neymar returned to Santos, the club where he first rose to prominence, after his stint in Saudi Arabia with Al Hilal came to a close. His homecoming was seen as a sentimental chapter in a career shaped by spells at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, where he became one of Europe's most expensive and high-profile players.

Injuries have severely disrupted the latter stages of his career, limiting his appearances and raising questions about his long-term fitness. Those concerns now appear to be a factor as he contemplates what comes next.

No announcement has been made, and Neymar has stopped short of confirming retirement outright. But his refusal to dismiss the possibility signals that this season with Santos could well be his last as a professional footballer.