Neymar Jr. is going through a very difficult time, but he still fondly remembers his time at FC Barcelona. The 33-year-old player, during his vacation in Brazil, shared an emotional photograph with his father watching one of his matches in the 2016/17 blaugrana jersey, his last with the Catalan club.
The Mogi das Cruzes native finishes his contract with Santos next week (December 31) and his future is completely uncertain. The photo showing his best moments with Barça could represent a nod from Ney to the Catalans, although rumors of a possible 'last dance' for the forward with the culés are completely ruled out.
Barça Maintains Stance on Neymar
The sporting director of Barça himself, Deco, put an end to the rumors about the Brazilian star's return last March. "Neymar was a phenomenon who passed through here. He did what he did. He won what he won... Sometimes those stories don't repeat themselves," said the Barça sporting director in an interview for 'TNT Sports' Brazil.
With the next winter transfer window approaching, the team managed by Hansi Flick only plans to sign one central defender, a decision that has not yet been made. Ney could sign with any club in Europe as a free agent starting January 2nd, but for now, there are no rumors about any club interested in his arrival.
The 33-year-old forward has played very little in the last two years due to multiple muscle problems that prevented him from playing regularly, both in Saudi Arabia with Al Hilal and on his return to Santos this 2025. With the 'Peixe', in fact, he barely accumulated 2,065 minutes of action in 28 appearances last season.
Neymar maintains a slim hope of playing his last World Cup with Brazil
This December, Ney once again went under the knife to alleviate the pain in his left knee. In principle, the player will be out of action until February or March, once the meniscus has completely healed.
However, Ney retains a minimal hope of earning a spot on Carlo Ancelotti's squad for the World Cup next summer. The player from Mogi das Cruzes, of course, **will have to find a team and play regularly between March and May** to try and convince 'Carletto' to take him to what would be his fourth and final World Cup with the 'canarinha'.
The option to stay at Santos seems to be the best alternative for a Neymar whose offensive contribution (8 goals and 1 assist) was important in preventing another relegation for the São Paulo team. The club, in fact, will play in the next edition of the Copa Sudamericana, a good showcase for the experienced forward to gain confidence and match fitness in what could be his last year as a professional.