Soccer
"My legacy's already made": Neymar Jr reflects on his career with Brazil
Neymar Jr discusses his return to Santos and why he believes his place in football history is already assured after establishing himself as one of Brazil's most influential footballers.
Few players have left a bigger mark on Brazilian football in the 21st century than Neymar Jr. From his breakthrough at Santos to retiring from international football as Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer, he has built a career defined by unforgettable moments, records and worldwide recognition.
Now back at the club where it all began, Neymar took time to reflect on his journey, the experiences that shaped him and the legacy he hopes to leave behind on and off the pitch.
Neymar Jr is wowed by Séan Garnier
© Jörg MItter/Red Bull Content Pool
Between club commitments and the scrutiny that follows the national team, the Santos star briefly stepped away from the pitch to take on Red Bull’s Ultimate Soccer Challenge with freestyle specialist Séan Garnier, where his football skills – and his fear of heights – were tested.
Neymar admitted the task was far more intimidating than it looked.
“I thought it would be easier… it was just scary, and I realised it was harder than it looked… It’s mostly because of the wind – the way the ball comes at you, it changes direction a lot, so that makes it even harder to control… I liked going through that adrenaline rush, let’s say.”
Watch Neymar in action in the Ultimate Soccer Challenge in the video below:
01
Return to Santos and a short-term horizon
Neymar Jr rejoined Santos in 2025, returning to the club where he first became a star as he worked his way back from serious knee and muscular injuries. Despite now reclaiming a place in the national team, he insists his longer-term future remains open.
For Neymar Jr, returning to Santos was less a restart than a full-circle moment at the club where his professional story began. The connection goes back to his earliest memories of football with his father, as he told in an interview:
Neymar Jr shows off his skills while testing his fear of heights
© Jörg MItter/Red Bull Content Pool
“I fell in love with soccer naturally, because I used to go with my dad when he played soccer. I’d go with him to the stadiums, to practice, and I ended up falling in love with the atmosphere,” he recalls. “Things just happened: I joined a youth academy, ended up standing out, went to Santos, and turned pro.”
For Neymar, the move back to Santos was both a homecoming and a reminder of where a remarkable football journey first began.
Neymar Jr was introduced to football by his father
© Jörg MItter/Red Bull Content Pool
“I have a one-year contract with Santos, and I plan to fulfil it,” he says. “I plan to decide in December or January what’s best for me. It depends on how I’m doing mentally and physically; it depends on a lot of things.”
02
A legacy already made
Neymar Jr takes a quick break
© Jörg MItter/Red Bull Content Pool
Neymar Jr’s selection for the Brazil national team in 2026 for the World Cup added another chapter to a story he believes has already earned its place in the sport’s history.
“I think my legacy in soccer is already made,” Neymar Jr says. “Everyone will remember me in some way when they talk about soccer. So I’m very happy about that, to have made history, to have left my name etched in the history of soccer. One day I’ll be able to tell my children, my grandchildren, about the important things I did for my country.”
Asked about what he wants to be known for in football, his answer is simple.
“I’m a guy who’s always been very authentic on the field,” Neymar Jr adds. “I’ve always given my all, 100 percent every time I’ve been on the field, not just for Santos, for Barcelona, for PSG, for Al Hilal, but especially for the Brazilian national team.”
While he may have brought the curtain down on his international career, retiring as the country's all-time leading goalscorer with 80 goals in 130 games. Neymar Jr will hope to continue to add to his legacy by firing Santos to more silverware in the years ahead.