Latest Neymar Rumors Reveal Frustration with FC Cincinnati Contract Talks amid Potential MLS Move

Cincinnati FC has missed out on Neymar after the Brazilian star pulled out of contract talks with the MLS club.

Per The Athletic's Tom Bogert, Neymar was "frustrated by the lack of progress" in talks after the team made no official offer. He also "felt decision makers weren't serious in pursuit."

Neymar reportedly began discussing a potential move to the MLS with Cincinnati FC in April. The Athletic reported that the club believed it could be "a destination for global names and U.S. national team stars alike."

While Neymar has pulled his name out of contention to join Cincinnati, he still has interest in joining the MLS "if the situation is right," according to Bogert.

Neymar, who has played for Barcelona, PSG and Al-Hilal, returned to Santos, his childhood club, in 2025. He logged 15 appearances for Santos this year, collecting six goals and four assists across 1,265 minutes.

He suffered a calf injury while playing for Santos in mid-May, but returned to action during Brazil's World Cup match against Scotland on Wednesday. Brazil came out on top in Group C, winning two matches and drawing once.

Neymar signed a contract to stay with Santos through the end of the year in January. What lies after that for the 33-year-old remains to be seen.

"2025 was a special and challenging year for me -- a time of joy and of overcoming obstacles that I was only able to face thanks to your love," Neymar said after announcing his contract. "2026 has arrived, and destiny could not be different. Santos is my place. Here I am at home, safe and happy. And it is with you that I want to achieve the rest of my dreams."

The rise of international stars, primarily Inter Miami's Lionel Messi, has led to tremendous growth for the MLS, and with a media rights negotiation on the horizon, the league would benefit tremendously from signing big-name players like Neymar.

Neymar is yet another star that Cincinnati has missed out on, as the team was unable to sign midfielder Weston McKennie and forward Josh Sargent after looking into potential deals with the two players.