Football has been a huge part of Neymar’s life. He began his professional career at just 17 and has since spent nearly two decades playing at the highest level for clubs such as Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Santos, as well as for Brazil.

Yet there is one surprising thing about his relationship with the sport: Neymar does not enjoy watching football on television.

In fact, the Brazilian star says he gets annoyed—and even angry—when he sits down to watch a football match on TV.

For Neymar, the real joy of football comes from playing it, not watching it from a sofa.

Speaking to the Varanda Gourmet channel, the 34-year-old forward said, “I don’t like watching football on TV. I like basketball, but only sometimes. When I watch football, I get angry.”

When Teammates Watched Football All Day

Neymar also recalled his experiences living with teammates during his years in Barcelona and Paris.

According to the Brazilian, his weekends with teammates often meant football on television from morning until evening.

They would watch matches from around 11am until 6pm, something Neymar found extremely frustrating.

“In Paris and Barcelona, when my teammates stayed with me, there was only football on TV every Saturday and Sunday. I got so annoyed that I wouldn’t even stay in the living room. Watching football from 11am to 6pm—I can’t stand it,” Neymar explained.

He Loves Football—But He Loves Playing It

Despite his dislike of watching live matches on television, Neymar insists that his passion for football has never disappeared.

He enjoys documentaries and other video content related to the sport, but watching a full match is a different matter.

Neymar says people are often surprised when he admits this.

“When I say this in interviews or when talking to friends, nobody believes me. I love football, but I love playing it. Sitting on the sofa and turning on the TV to watch a match isn’t enough for me.”

For Neymar, football is about being on the pitch, touching the ball and experiencing the game himself.

Neymar Plans to Do Nothing for a Year After Retirement

After beginning his professional career at 17, Neymar is now 34 and has spent most of his adult life in football.

But when his playing career finally ends, he wants to step away from the sport for a while.

The Santos forward says he plans to spend an entire year doing absolutely nothing after retirement.

Explaining his plans, Neymar said, “Of course, after I stop playing, I’ll spend a year doing absolutely nothing. I’ll live like this—if I feel like playing football today, I’ll play. And if I don’t feel like doing anything, I won’t do anything.”

It is perhaps Neymar’s way of enjoying the freedom that has been missing from a life dominated by professional football.

Still Focused on the Pitch

For now, however, retirement is still some way away.

Neymar remains active with Santos, wearing the famous No. 10 shirt, and has been encouraged by the club’s recent performances. He is also expected to feature against Bahia on Saturday.

There is no doubt that Neymar still loves football.

He simply prefers to experience it from inside the pitch rather than from in front of a television.

Football remains Neymar’s passion—but for him, the real joy of the game is still playing it, not watching it.