'The Last dance': Neymar signals World Cup farewell

Brazil forward Neymar has indicated the FIFA World Cup starting Thursday will be the last of his career.

The 34-year-old made the statement in response to a social media post from FIFA showing images of Neymar's career along with the words, "We've watched him grow up."

Neymar of Brazil reacts during the Group G match against Serbia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Nov. 24, 2022. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng)

"The last dance," the Santos attacker replied in the comments section, using a phrase associated with NBA legend Michael Jordan's final season with the Chicago Bulls in 1997-98.

Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 international matches, has not played for Brazil since suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in October 2023.

He has since suffered a series of injuries, the latest of which is a calf strain that could keep him out of Brazil's opening match against Morocco on June 13.