Brazilian Serie A club Santos officially announced earlier that they had renewed their contract with Brazilian veteran Neymar. Recently, he attended a press conference for the renewal, addressing multiple topics and situations. Notably, when discussing his rehabilitation progress and World Cup dream, Neymar choked up several times.
On Renewing with Santos
Renewing with Santos and returning to my hometown has always been an incomparable source of happiness for me. After leaving Brazil for many years, coming back to Santos, returning to the city where I grew up, surrounded by friends and loved ones—they are my strong support, encouraging me to face all difficulties. I am extremely moved and overjoyed because you all know better than anyone what I have been through and understand my love for football. When I stand on the pitch, thinking that you are there, I become stronger and more confident. For me, when I step onto the field and look at the stands, knowing the fans are there, it's a huge source of joy.
On the Future
I don't like to dwell on the future; I prefer to live in the present, as I think that's most important. My current goal is to return to 100% fitness and get back on the pitch, because I know that's where I can make an impact. I'm giving my all for this, hoping to bring joy to everyone through my play.
On His Current Situation
My physical condition is good, and my mental state is excellent, which allows me to pursue more goals. Obviously, everyone knows I have a dream: to win the World Cup. Although time is tight, the World Cup isn't far off. You also know how difficult this journey has been; over the past few years, I've faced many challenges. But I still feel strong enough to overcome obstacles and chase my World Cup dream. The future is uncertain—we can't predict what will happen. But for now, I'll do my best to create more moments worth celebrating in the days ahead.
On Criticisms of His On- and Off-Field Behavior
Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone has dreams, wishes, and stories you know nothing about—you can't imagine what that person is going through. Sometimes, people say untrue things about me, my friends, my father, and my family, and I really can't accept that.
The pitch is where I strive to excel. With the prevalence of the internet and social media today, I feel people hardly pay real attention to athletes' performances, especially in Brazilian football. For other professions, people generally make reasonable demands. Being criticized with hatred, sometimes by those who don't even know you, your daily life, or the efforts you've made for yourself and others—it feels terrible and sad. I'm particularly hurt by false online comments. But thank God, I've developed strong resilience. When these remarks come up, I might read them, but they don't break me. Though I feel pain, sadness, or even anger, I won't be wounded in the way they hope.
On Santos' Reconstruction
Returning to this place filled with memories is incredibly fulfilling. I used to play for the youth team here, usually on Saturdays or Sundays—I can't remember exactly. When I started training here, I felt closer to my dream. As a youth team member, becoming a professional player felt like just one step away; the dream had never been so near. Now, being able to return and participate in Santos' reconstruction, do something unique, and help the club in some way is a great honor for me. Having the opportunity to give back, realize my dreams, and change the lives of myself and my friends—it's wonderful.
On the Feeling of His Santos Launch Press Conference
It's a complex emotion that's hard to explain. Ever since I left Saudi Arabia, I've been eager to join Santos. Everything is filled with love because from the moment I left, I've longed to return to Brazil. When I arrived at Santos, it was 不可思议 (incredible). This is one of the best feelings in my life.
What Keeps the Spark in Your Eyes After All These Years?
In life, the spark comes from my children—they're a gift from God. As parents, you surely understand this feeling. Professionally, I still crave playing football. As long as I feel I can still play, my love for the sport remains, the excitement before matches persists. That's my motivation; I still burn with passion for the game.
On the Legacy You've Left in Football
I never thought about what legacy I'd leave, nor did I imagine I'd become who I am today with the fame I have. I've always been a dreamer who fights tirelessly for those dreams. In my life, there were many people who inspired me, like Robinho, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and others. Now, being a source of inspiration for others, hearing them affectionately mention my name, saying I'm their role model or idol— that makes me extremely happy. It means I've left a legacy in football, that I've contributed to the sport, and that I've fulfilled my footballing mission.
What Drives You to Keep Playing?
It's my enduring love for football. My hunger for the game, my desire to step onto the pitch. Every day I wake up and go to training. This is my love for football. My love for football will never end; it will stay with me for the rest of my life.
About When Your Prime Was
I've had several peaks in my career. There were peaks at Santos and Barcelona, but I think my footballing prime was at Paris Saint-Germain, from 2017 to 2020, when we reached the UEFA Champions League final. I believe those four years, when I was playing, I was unstoppable. Unfortunately, injuries eventually halted my progress— it's part of an athlete's career— but those four years were my best.
