New Neymar Rumors Link Brazil Star to MLS Team, Contract Talks Revealed

One of the most notable names in the soccer world could be coming to the MLS in the future.

Tom Bogert and Paul Tenorio of The Athletic reported Thursday that FC Cincinnati "has engaged" in "preliminary discussions" with Neymar about potentially joining the team. It is part of the club's overall belief it can be "a destination for global names and U.S. national team stars alike" after previously looking into deals with midfielder Weston McKennie and forward Josh Sargent.

"The sources cautioned that the discussions around the Brazilian star are in the very early stages," Bogert and Tenorio wrote. "Cincy is gauging Neymar's interest and requirements, while also having internal discussions about whether pushing to sign the global superstar makes sense, sources add."

It should be noted FC Cincinnati did not actually land McKennie or Sargent despite those efforts, and it is far from a guarantee a player as prominent as Neymar would join the fold.

Still, it shows how serious the team is in its effort to chase what would be a first MLS Cup title in franchise history after coming so close in recent years.

They finished with the best record in the league during the regular season in 2023 just to lose to the archrival Columbus Crew in the Eastern Conference Final. From there, they lost in the first round of the playoffs in 2024 and then reached the second round last year before falling to Lionel Messi and Inter Miami.

Clubs such as Inter Miami have stood in Cincinnati's way in the Eastern Conference, and the difference in star power has been part of the problem with players such as Messi, Luis Suárez and others suiting up for the Florida outfit.

Adding someone like Neymar could help close that gap.

While he is 34 years old and may no longer be at his peak, the Brazilian star is one of the best players of his generation with a resume that includes a Champions League title, seven domestic league titles, two FIFA FIFPro World XI selections and a Ligue 1 Male Player of the Year nod. 

He has played for some of the most prominent teams in the world, including Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Perhaps FC Cincinnati will be the next one on the list, which could bolster the club's overall outlook after a lackluster 2-0-4 start through six games in the 2026 MLS season.