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The prospect of watching soccer icon Neymar suit up for FC Cincinnati in Major League Soccer following the 2026 World Cup appears to have faded.
The Brazilian veteran has withdrawn from talks with the Ohio club, reportedly frustrated by how lengthy the process had become despite initially encouraging discussions, according to The Athletic on Thursday.
Per the report, Cincinnati never submitted a formal offer to Neymar's representatives, though the former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star had been willing to join the club if financial terms could be reached. Sporting director Chris Albright and president Jeff Berding had both met with Neymar and his father in the spring before he stepped away from negotiations.
However, the possibility of Neymar landing in MLS isn't entirely dead. While he remains contracted with Brazilian club Santos through the end of the year, the report indicates he could be receptive to another MLS side, provided the circumstances and financial package align.
He has registered six goals and four assists across 1,265 minutes with Santos this season; however, the 34-year-old has battled a string of injuries as his fitness has declined in recent years. After sitting out Brazil's opening two World Cup matches with a calf injury, he made his tournament appearance in the third fixture, taking the field in a 3–0 victory over Scotland to help secure a place in the knockout rounds.
FC Cincinnati Strike Out Again
Missing out on Neymar represents the second consecutive summer that FC Cincinnati has come up short on a high-profile signing. Last summer, the club held MLS discovery rights to German legend Thomas Müller and reportedly pursued him, only to fall short before Müller ultimately signed with the Vancouver Whitecaps.
The failure to land Neymar unfolded under notably different circumstances. Brazil's all-time top scorer (79 goals) appeared genuinely interested in the move but grew impatient with the drawn-out process, unlike Müller's straightforward rejection of the Ohio club.
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That said, Cincinnati's pursuit of a marquee signing is far from finished. Having competed for two of the most celebrated players of their generation, the club is clearly targeting elite talent and will look to bolster their attack, currently led by Brazilian midfielder Evander and prolific striker Kévin Denkey.
Cincinnati return to MLS action on July 22 against Vancouver and Müller, but will first face EFL Championship outfit Burnley in a friendly on July 10.