Neymar Won't Commit to MLS Move: "I Honestly Don't Know" What's Next
The Brazilian superstar just threw a wrench into FC Cincinnati's summer plans. Neymar, the 34-year-old forward currently at Santos, told ESPN on Thursday that he's still weighing his options and won't commit to any MLS move, even as reports circulate that the Cincy front office is actively exploring bringing him stateside.
"I honestly don't know," Neymar said when asked about his future. Translation: nobody should be calling the moving trucks yet.
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👉 Claim Your Free $10 at KalshiThe Santos Situation and a Body That Won't Cooperate
Here's the problem Neymar faces right now: he's banged up. The captain of Santos in Brazil's Serie A has been limited to just eight matches in 2026 so far due to a knee injury. When he has been on the pitch, he's contributed four goals and three assists, which is solid but nowhere near the elite output you'd expect from a player of his pedigree.
And Neymar says he wants to stick it out at Santos, his boyhood club where he started his professional career from 2009-13. His current contract runs through the end of this year, which means he's got time to make a decision.
The World Cup Dream Still Matters
This is the real wild card in play. Neymar hasn't suited up for the Brazilian national team since 2023, but he's publicly stated his desire to be on the squad for this summer's FIFA World Cup in North America. That goal matters to him, and his next move needs to align with it.
His injury history isn't helping matters either. An ankle injury derailed him in Paris, then a torn anterior cruciate ligament during his brief stint with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia left him sidelined again. Getting healthy and staying healthy is priority one right now.
So while FC Cincinnati is out there kicking the tires on a move that would be historic for MLS, Neymar's keeping his cards close. He's not saying no to the league. He's also not saying yes. He's saying he doesn't know, and honestly, that tells you everything you need to about where his head is right now: focused on healing, focused on Brazil, and not ready to make any big calls.
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