Brazil icon Neymar could retire 'within days' after World Cup heartbreak

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Neymar could retire from football within DAYS after

Brazil

’s

World Cup

failure. The South American side headed into the tournament as one of the favourites for the trophy.

But they could only go as far as the last 16, having been

eliminated by an Erling Haaland inspired Norway

. In the aftermath of that game, Neymar, who was a controversial selection for Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-man squad, confirmed he would be retiring from international duty.

“I tried,”

Neymar

said. “It started here at MetLife Stadium, and I finished here. It is now over.”

It now appears that the 34-year-old could potentially hang up his boots for good. Reports in his homeland Brazil have suggested that Neymar is considering a full retirement and might not even see out the end of his contract with boyhood club Santos.

It is suggested that he will now take stock to reflect on Brazil’s World Cup before coming to a decision. Either way, Neymar’s dad has urged his son to reverse his international retirement.

"Oh, son... What a journey," Neymar Sr. said on social media. "What a beautiful path. Challenging. Often painful, but infinitely blessed. A decision made today does not define your entire story.

“A dream that hasn't come true yet doesn't mean it's dead. The end of the story is never determined by a difficult moment..."

He added: "I watched the boy grow into one of the greatest players of his generation in history," Neymar Sr. said. "When I look back, I see much more than trophies, goals, contracts, or recognition. I see miracles. I see deliverance. I see promises being fulfilled.

"And when I look ahead, I remain just as certain. The best doesn't depend on age or circumstances. I want to ask you something as a father. Son, keep playing football.

"Rediscover the joy of having the ball at your feet. Smile again on the field. Today you are healthy. God has given you another chance to do what you've always loved. Enjoy football. Don't carry on your shoulders the weight of decisions, criticism, expectations, or the setbacks that life brings.

"Don't be afraid of tomorrow. Live for today. Train. Smile. Play football. Delight people once again. Do what God has placed in your hands since you were a child. And never forget that, even before the

world

admired you, you were always loved by God."

Neymar has earned 130 caps for Brazil during his career and has scored 80 goals. He has represented Santos,

Barcelona

, Paris Saint-Germain and Al-Hilal. He made an emotional return to Santos last year and has scored 17 goals in 43 appearances since then.