Neymar keen on Barcelona return: the two factors driving his decision

Neymar’s future is once again making headlines. Despite currently playing for Santos, the Brazilian star has made it clear that his goal is to return to European football, with Barcelona emerging as his ideal destination. After several years away from the club that propelled him to stardom, the forward feels he has unfinished business with the Blaugrana shirt.

At 33 years old, and after dealing with multiple injuries in recent years, Neymar believes this could be his last major challenge in top-level football. However, his desire to return to Barcelona is not just about nostalgia or affection for the club. There are two key reasons driving his ambition to make a comeback.

Leaving Barcelona: A decision he still regrets

For Neymar, leaving Barcelona in 2017 to join PSG may have been the biggest mistake of his career. At the time, his departure was seen as a logical step to escape Lionel Messi’s shadow and establish himself as the main man in a new team. However, over time, the Brazilian realised that things did not go as planned.

Although he won domestic titles in Paris, he never managed to lead PSG to Champions League glory or achieve the individual recognition he craved. His spell in France was marked by injuries, controversies, and a sense that his talent was not fully maximised.

Neymar now acknowledges that, had he stayed at Barcelona, he could have won more major trophies, including another Champions League title. He is also aware that leaving the club hurt his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or, an award he has always dreamed of.

For this reason, he now wants to return and rewrite the final chapter of his story at the club. In his mind, going back to Barcelona represents a chance for redemption, an opportunity to prove he still has plenty to offer and to regain the prestige he has lost in recent years.

The 2026 World Cup: His ultimate goal

Beyond sentimental reasons, Neymar has a clear objective in mind: being in peak condition for the 2026 World Cup. At 33 years old, the Brazilian understands that this could be his last major tournament with the national team, and to compete at his best, he needs to play in an elite league.

Competing in a demanding league like La Liga would allow him to stay at the highest level, something he might struggle to achieve if he remains in South America. Neymar knows that, if he wants to be a key player in the 2026 World Cup and lead Brazil to success, he must be in an environment that challenges him constantly.

Additionally, he believes that returning to Barcelona could provide him with the perfect setting to regain his best form. Surrounded by top players and in a system he already knows, he would have a better chance of performing at his highest level.

Since making his debut for Brazil, Neymar has carried the weight of expectations as the national team’s biggest star. He came close to World Cup glory in 2014 and 2018, but the ultimate prize has always eluded him. Now, with the experience and maturity gained over the years, he realises that 2026 might be his last chance to make history for Brazil.

Is a Barcelona return realistic?

Neymar’s desire to return to Barcelona is clear, but the big question is whether the club is willing to bring him back. The Blaugrana’s financial situation is still delicate, and signing Neymar would require careful consideration from both a sporting and financial perspective.

One factor in his favour is that Neymar would not demand the same high wages as before. His priority is no longer securing the most lucrative contract, but rather finding a place where he can enjoy football again and feel valued.

Moreover, several players in the Barcelona squad still have a good relationship with him, which would help him settle back in quickly. His return could also add quality to the attack and bring much-needed experience to a team that is blending youth with talent.

On the other hand, the club must assess whether his physical condition would allow him to perform consistently. Neymar has struggled with injuries in recent years, and Barcelona cannot afford to sign a player who spends more time on the sidelines than on the pitch.

Neymar’s future remains uncertain, but his desire to return to Barcelona is stronger than ever. His regret over leaving the club and his determination to be at his best for the 2026 World Cup are the two driving forces behind his wish to return.

Now, the final decision is not just in his hands, but also in Barcelona’s, as they must determine whether this is the right moment to take a gamble on their former star. Meanwhile, Barcelona fans are already starting to dream of seeing Neymar back in Blaugrana colours, hoping for one last great chapter in his story with the club.