Neymar pulls out of FC Cincinnati talks, still open to MLS move

MIAMI: Neymar could be set to become the latest world football star to bring his talents to MLS, but it’s no longer expected to be for FC Cincinnati, The Athletic reported on Thursday.

Cincinnati had been courting Neymar about a potential transfer since April, but never made an official offer to the Brazilian legend, who is now reportedly no longer considering Cincinnati as a transfer destination.

Per the report, Neymar grew frustrated with how slow the process about his potential MLS move was progressing. However, he reportedly remains open to playing for a different MLS club if it is the proper situation.

Neymar, 34, came off the bench in Wednesday’s 3-0 win over Scotland for his first appearance with Brazil since 2023. The country’s leading scorer in international goals and second all-time in appearances had been sidelined by a right calf injury and has battled injuries quite often over the last few seasons.

After a stint with Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, Neymar currently plays for Santos – the very first team he played for in Brazil from 2009-13 – and has 15 goals in 37 appearances since returning in 2025, with a contract going through the current season ends in December.

He’s scored 377 total goals in 644 club appearances across 19 seasons.