India, Feb. 21 -- Neymar has stopped talking like a footballer with a five-year plan. Speaking to Brazil's CazeTV, the Santos forward sounded like someone measuring the game in seasons, not eras - and leaving the door open for an abrupt goodbye when the year closes.

"I don't know what will happen from now on, I don't know about next year," Neymar said. "It may be that when December comes, I will want to retire. I am living year to year now."

The timing is the whole point. 2026 is a FIFA World Cup year, and Neymar framed it as a three-way test: Santos, Brazil and himself.

"We will see what my heart decides. It depends on what my heart says later in the year," he added, before underlining the immediate target. "This year is a very import...