Neymar in Talks to Join MLS Club FC Cincinnati: Report

The Brazilian soccer superstar is in preliminary discussions to potentially join the Ohio-based team.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:56pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a soccer player in mid-motion, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives conveying the raw energy and athleticism of the sport.A cubist reimagining of a soccer superstar's dynamic movements could capture the excitement of Neymar potentially joining the MLS.Cincinnati Today

According to reports, Brazilian soccer legend Neymar is in early talks to potentially join MLS club FC Cincinnati. While Neymar has been linked to MLS moves in the past, the destination has typically been one of the league's larger markets like Los Angeles or New York. However, FC Cincinnati, which has been in MLS since 2019, is now gauging Neymar's interest and requirements as they consider pursuing the global superstar.

Why it matters

A move for Neymar would not only boost FC Cincinnati's profile and merchandise/ticket sales, but it could also provide the team with the final piece they need to finally reach the MLS Cup final after several strong regular seasons.

The details

FC Cincinnati, which has captured a strong fanbase in Ohio and ranked in the top 10 in average attendance last season, has been one of the more competitive teams in the Eastern Conference over the past three years. While they've won the Supporters' Shield for best record in the regular season and made the MLS Cup semifinals, they've still never made it to the final game of a season. Neymar is currently under contract with Brazilian club Santos through the end of the year.

  • Neymar is under contract with Santos through the end of 2026.
  • FC Cincinnati has been in MLS since 2019.

The players

Neymar

A legendary Brazilian soccer player who is in preliminary talks to potentially join MLS club FC Cincinnati.

FC Cincinnati

An MLS club based in Cincinnati, Ohio that has been one of the more competitive teams in the Eastern Conference over the past few seasons, though they have yet to reach the MLS Cup final.

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What they’re saying

“FC Cincinnati engage Neymar's camp on preliminary talks. Very preliminary. Still internal discussions at club about whether to push for the global superstar... but Cincy is gauging Neymar's interest/requirements.”

— Tom Bogert, Soccer Reporter

What’s next

FC Cincinnati will continue internal discussions about whether to pursue signing Neymar, while also gauging the Brazilian star's interest and requirements.

The takeaway

The potential signing of Neymar by a smaller-market MLS club like FC Cincinnati would be a major coup for the league, boosting the team's profile and providing them with the star power needed to potentially reach their first MLS Cup final.