Neymar admitted he was close to playing for Fluminense during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. He said he had a conversation with the president and Renato Gaúcho and almost played in the tournament for the club. Neymar explained that the move did not happen because he was not in good physical condition and felt he would not have been able to help as much as he wanted. The president of Fluminense, Mário Bittencourt, stated in an interview with ESPN that an attempt was made to bring Neymar to the club for the Club World Cup and mentioned the player's desire to participate. Bittencourt said Neymar expressed a strong desire but was focused on his recovery and on helping Santos with their situation. Bittencourt described this as a beautiful and dignified attitude from a player who developed at Santos. He added that Neymar explained his reasons for not accepting at that time but did not rule out a future possibility. Santos president Marcelo Teixeira said Neymar's contract permitted Santos to release him for a world championship by mutual agreement, and that participating would have been important for the club and the player. Teixeira stated that the only proposal involved Neymar playing the Mundial for Fluminense before returning to Santos, but a different decision was made so he could focus on his conditioning. According to Teixeira, the decision was a joint one, and there was no option for Neymar to stay at Fluminense after the tournament.

Fluminense's president Mario Bittencourt released a statement on his X account refuting reports that Fluminense had made an approach for Neymar. Speculation over a transfer was prompted by comments from the club's head of physiotherapy, who described Neymar as the last genius of Brazilian football.

Fluminense president Mário Bittencourt stated on his X account that there has been no recent contact with Neymar or his staff. This denial comes amid speculation about the player, whose contract with Santos is set to expire at the end of 2025. Bittencourt had previously revealed that he attempted to bring Neymar to Fluminense for the Club World Cup, an attempt the player confirmed.