Following the termination of his contract with Al Hilal, speculation has grown over the possibility of Neymar making a sensational return to FC Barcelona. With the 2026 World Cup as his primary goal, the Brazilian star is reportedly open to rejoining the Spanish giants while taking a significant pay cut to make it happen.
Neymar initially rose to prominence at Santos, where he recently signed a contract set to run until June 2025, with an option to extend for another year. However, as a potential move looms for the upcoming season, Cadena Cope journalist Helena Condis provided key insight into Neymar’s aspirations:
“This Thursday, I spoke with people close to Neymar, who are very well connected. They told me many things, including that if his performances are good between now and the summer, he will try to return at almost no cost—that is, as a free agent and earning very little—to prepare in Barcelona with the 2026 World Cup in mind. It’s his obsession,” she revealed on the Spanish radio program Tiempo de Juego.
While Neymar appears eager to return, the final decision could depend on Barcelona’s head coach, Hansi Flick. Condis acknowledged that the German manager’s approval would be crucial: “He’s a very strict coach. A conversation with Barcelona’s coach would be necessary, a meeting between both parties, but from Neymar’s side, this is the dream scenario.”
Now at 33, Neymar is fully aware that his career is entering its final stages, meaning opportunities to cement his legacy are becoming scarce. “Neymar has changed a lot. He is now expecting his second daughter,” Condis added, suggesting the Brazilian has matured significantly during his time away from Spain.
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Neymar regaining fitness at Santos
Neymar has publicly stated that winning the 2026 World Cup is his ultimate goal, as it will be his last appearance in the tournament. This ambition played a key role in his departure from Al Hilal after he was dropped from the squad list.
Now back at Santos, which recently returned to Brazil’s top flight, Neymar has been working his way back to peak form following a long recovery from an ACL injury. His return was officially celebrated in January, and the results have been promising.
Neymar has shown glimpses of his brilliance, scoring a free kick in his last match against Red Bull Bragantino and registering three goals and three assists in his last four appearances. Despite being forced off due to an injury in his latest game, early reports indicate it is not a major issue. Manager Dorival Junior expects Neymar to be fully fit soon, especially after his inclusion in Brazil’s preliminary squad list for the upcoming international fixtures.
