Sports
Neymar Says 2026 World Cup Will Be His Last
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Neymar said that the 2026 World Cup will be his last adding he was confident that Brazil would qualify for the finals in North America.
“I know this will be my last World Cup, my last shot, my last chance and I will do everything I can to play in it,” the 32-year-old attacker, who has not played for Brazil in more than a year, told CNN.
He also told the American news network in the interview published on Tuesday that he would not rule out reuniting with former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at U.S. club Inter Miami.
“Obviously, playing again with Messi and Suarez would be incredible,” Neymar said at an award ceremony in Dubai.
Brazil have struggled in South American World Cup qualifying.
After 12 of the 18 rounds, they are fifth in the 10-nation group. But the top six are guaranteed places in the World Cup and Brazil are five points ahead of Bolivia in seventh.
“I have a lot of faith in the team, in the players who are emerging, who are young,” he said. “We’re not in a position where we would like to be.”
“I think together we can achieve something very big. We have a year, a year-and-a-half to work, to do the right things to reach the World Cup,” Neymar said.
Neymar started Brazil’s first four qualifying games but went off injured at half time as they lost to Uruguay in October 2023. After knee surgery he was out for a year.
He returned for his Saudi club Al Hilal with two brief appearances in October and November but injured a hamstring and has not played since. He said he is targeting the World Cup.
“I want to be there, I’m going to try to do my best, to work very hard so that I can be with the Brazilian team.”
He will be 34 by the time the competition in the USA, Canada and Mexico, kicks off.
He could play in the United States before then. Al Hilal will appear in the expanded Club World Cup in the United States in June where Miami, with Messi and Suarez, will also be competing.
“They are my friends.” said Neymar, who also played with Messi at Paris Saint-Germain. “We still speak to each other. It would be interesting to revive this trio.”
“I’m happy in Saudi Arabia, but who knows? Football is full of surprises.
“When the news came out that I was leaving Paris Saint-Germain, the transfer window was closed in the United States, so I didn’t have this option.”
AFP
Ghana international midfielder Thomas Partey is mourning the death of his father, Jacob Teye Partey, who reportedly passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
The news has plunged the Partey family into mourning, with reports indicating that the circumstances surrounding Jacob Teye Partey’s death have not been disclosed. Funeral and burial arrangements are also yet to be announced by the family.
Thomas Partey had not publicly commented on the death of his father at the time of the reports, as the family comes to terms with the loss.
Jacob Teye Partey played an important role in his son’s football journey and was among the people who supported Thomas during the early stages of his career.
An old interview involving Thomas Partey has resurfaced following his father’s death, highlighting some of the sacrifices Jacob made to help his son pursue his football ambitions.
In a 2018 interview, Thomas recalled that his father sold personal belongings to help him obtain football boots during the formative stages of his career.
The support reportedly went beyond providing equipment. In a separate account, Jacob Teye Partey was said to have sold land and other properties to help finance his son’s move from Ghana to Spain.
That move eventually opened the door to a professional career in Europe, with Thomas joining Atlético Madrid’s youth setup in 2011.
The midfielder gradually progressed through the Spanish club’s system before establishing himself in the senior team. He later became one of Ghana’s prominent international players and went on to play in the English Premier League for Arsenal.
Thomas Partey currently represents Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab.
The death of his father has therefore brought renewed attention to the family support behind the footballer’s rise from Ghana to the international stage.
For many young footballers, the journey to professional football involves significant sacrifices from parents and relatives, particularly when opportunities require travel, equipment and financial support. Jacob’s reported contribution to his son’s career has been highlighted in reports following his passing.
The news has also generated messages of sympathy from members of the Ghanaian football community and supporters, who have expressed condolences to Thomas Partey and the wider family.
Further details about Jacob Teye Partey’s funeral are expected to be announced by the family in due course.
As the Partey family mourns, attention remains on the private loss experienced by the Ghana midfielder and the important role his father played during the early stages of his football journey.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his departure from the Portugal national team training camp following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation.
The veteran forward said his decision came after the national team coach’s press conference, although he did not immediately disclose the specific reasons behind his departure.
As reported by football transfer expert on Wednesday, the Portuguese was quoted as saying, “After the National Team coach’s press conference, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the National Team training camp,” Ronaldo said.
The 41-year-old said he would explain his reasons at a later date, insisting that his commitment to Portugal had always remained strong.
“In due time, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led to my departure from the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself,” he said.
Ronaldo also wished the national team and his teammates well following his decision to leave the camp.
“Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my teammates,” he added.
The announcement comes as Portugal prepares for its upcoming international commitments, with Ronaldo’s departure likely to generate significant attention ahead of the team’s next fixtures.
Further details about the circumstances surrounding his decision are expected to emerge when Ronaldo provides his promised explanation.
Newsmen had reported that Portugal coach Jorge Jesus insisted on Wednesday that there was no rift between him and Cristiano Ronaldo, but the 72-year-old did acknowledge that his captain had been disappointed to remain on the bench in the side’s Nations League win over Norway.
The Gambia produced a stunning result on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, defeating Ghana’s Black Stars 4-2 in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The defeat leaves Ghana without a win from their opening two matches in Group C, putting the Black Stars under early pressure in their bid to qualify for the continental tournament.
Ghana began their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké before suffering another setback against The Gambia on home soil.
The latest loss means the Black Stars must quickly regroup and secure positive results in their remaining group matches if they are to keep their qualification hopes on track.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
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