Neymar pulls out of FC Cincinnati talks after emotional World Cup return — MLS still possible

Who: Neymar, the Brazil forward. What: has ended talks with MLS side FC Cincinnati after months of discussions that never produced a formal contract offer, according to reporting. When: the development was reported in the wake of his emotional return for Brazil during the World Cup; he came on as a substitute in the 76th minute of Brazil's 3-0 win over Scotland on June 24, 2026. Why it matters: the decision rules out a likely high-profile reunion in MLS with former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi — at least with Cincinnati — and leaves Neymar free to consider other club options once the World Cup is complete.

Neymar's World Cup comeback and context

Neymar's substitute appearance for Brazil in the 3-0 victory over Scotland was his first international action since 2023, marking a return after a lengthy absence. He was introduced in the 76th minute, following a layoff that included an ACL injury in October 2023 and a recent calf problem that caused him to miss Brazil's opening two World Cup matches. Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti had indicated Neymar would be likelier to come off the bench, and the plan unfolded as expected at Hard Rock Stadium, where supporters greeted him with a warm ovation.

Why talks with FC Cincinnati collapsed

According to reporting cited by World Soccer Talk, which references The Athletic's Tom Bogert, negotiations between Neymar and FC Cincinnati never progressed to a formal contract offer. The absence of an official proposal — despite months of discussions and a reported April meeting in Brazil between club executives Chris Albright and Jeff Berding and Neymar and his representatives — convinced the forward that Cincinnati were not sufficiently serious to close a deal.

The prolonged, informal process appears to have been the decisive factor. Sources say Neymar had been open to joining Cincinnati if the financial terms and sporting project aligned, but without a concrete offer the player and his camp chose to step away from talks.

Is MLS still a realistic option?

Walking away from Cincinnati does not close the door on Major League Soccer entirely. Reporting indicates Neymar remains open to an MLS move if another club presents the right package and sporting project. World Soccer Talk notes prior interest from other MLS sides: Chicago Fire had explored the possibility after Neymar left Al-Hilal, and multiple clubs are said to be monitoring the situation.

Further underlining that negotiations are not finished in the wider sense, a social-media post referenced in the coverage conveyed that negotiations with Cincinnati were off and that Neymar would consider talks with Santos and other clubs after the World Cup.

Club situation and timing

Neymar is currently contracted to Santos through the end of 2026, according to the reporting used for this story. That existing contract gives him time to weigh post-tournament options rather than being forced into an immediate move. With Brazil still active at the World Cup when these developments were reported, Neymar's immediate focus — publicly and professionally — is on the national team.

Key points

• Neymar came off the bench in the 76th minute of Brazil's 3-0 World Cup win over Scotland (match ended 0-3).
• He has reportedly ended talks with FC Cincinnati after no formal contract offer was made.
• Club executives Chris Albright and Jeff Berding traveled to Brazil in April for discussions, but talks did not become formal.
• Neymar remains open to an MLS move with a different club and is under contract with Santos until the end of 2026.

Why it matters

A Neymar move to MLS would have been one of the highest-profile signings in league history and — if it had been with FC Cincinnati — could have created a storyline centring on reuniting him with Lionel Messi. The collapse of talks with Cincinnati reshapes the market for elite signings in MLS: it shows how timing and the formality of offers can sway marquee moves, while leaving room for rival clubs to press if they want to present a more convincing proposal after the World Cup.

What happens next

For now, Neymar's priority is Brazil's World Cup campaign. Off the field, his camp can revisit options once the tournament concludes; any new approach from an MLS club would need to be concrete and rapid given the global interest in the player. Clubs that were monitoring the situation — including those previously linked such as Chicago Fire — remain potential suitors, while Santos' existing contract gives Neymar the latitude to choose his next move without immediate pressure.

This story is based on reporting cited by World Soccer Talk, which references The Athletic's Tom Bogert and social-media updates included in the coverage. Club statements or direct confirmation from parties involved were not supplied in the source material and would be needed to verify any final move.