Neymar still hasn’t decided what he’ll do in 2026, and even though his contract with Santos runs until the end of this year, his future is already fueling speculation. The Brazilian star’s name has resurfaced behind the scenes of North American soccer, especially because of Inter Miami, Lionel Messi’s club and home to one of Neymar’s closest friends and former teammates at Barcelona and PSG. But contrary to what fans might expect, excitement isn’t exactly running high across the map. According to ESPN’s reporting, most MLS clubs aren’t thrilled about the idea of investing in Neymar.
A lack of confidence and the contrast with other players
Sources told the network that MLS executives and scouts don’t see much sense in betting on the Brazilian right now. The general view is that Neymar no longer inspires confidence that he can deliver the level of performance and consistency needed to justify such a big investment. The contrast becomes obvious when compared with players like Son Heung-min, the former Tottenham star who joined Los Angeles FC and quickly became a key figure. The South Korean combines consistency, technical quality, and physical readiness, qualities highly valued by U.S. franchises.
In recent years, Neymar’s injuries have been a constant topic of discussion. Since returning to Santos, he’s played only 23 matches, completing the full 90 minutes in just eight of them. He’s scored six goals and provided three assists, numbers that don’t match the weight of his name. For American executives, who view the sport through a lens of performance and reliability, investing in a player with such a fragile recent record is a gamble few are willing to take.
Caught between wear and reputation
Not even Neymar’s global prestige seems enough to change that perception. His frustration after being subbed off in Santos’ 3–2 loss to Flamengo at Maracanã reignited debate about his behavior. Walking straight to the locker room and complaining about teammates and coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda only reinforced the image of a star trapped between the past and the expectation of being the main man he once was. In a halftime interview, Neymar even said the team should “look for me more in the final third,” a comment that sounded like both a complaint and a subtle jab at his own teammates.
Behind the scenes, a Chicago Fire executive, whose club recently showed interest in the player, summed up the feeling with irony. He said not signing Neymar was “a relief.” It’s a harsh word, but it captures the scepticism of those who fear investing in a star who now seems to shine brighter off the field than on it.
The truth is, Neymar faces a rare dilemma for a player of his stature. At 33, he still grabs attention and headlines, but he no longer convinces as a true on-field leader. The talent is still there, but his sporting credibility has eroded over time, worn down by injuries and attitudes that continue to push potential suitors away.