Neymar set for knee surgery
The surgery raises doubt over his return for the World Cup
Neymar will undergo surgery on his left knee after playing through pain to help Santos secure survival in Brazil’s top flight with a 3-0 win over Cruzeiro, a development that deepens doubts about his availability for next year’s World Cup. The 33-year-old returned to his boyhood club in January following a spell in Saudi Arabia and produced decisive late-season form, scoring five goals in his final four appearances, including a stoppage-time hat-trick that proved crucial in a separate fixture against Juventude.
Persistent knee trouble, reportedly a meniscus injury identified after a painful clash earlier in the month, forced Neymar to delay recommended arthroscopic surgery so he could finish the campaign. He acknowledged the toll of recent weeks, saying he only managed to play because of the support around him and confirming he now needs rest before the operation. Neither the club nor the player have provided specifics on the procedure or a recovery timetable.
The procedure raises fresh questions over Neymar’s international prospects. He has been absent from Brazil’s squad for two years amid a string of injuries, and national team coach Carlo Ancelotti has said any recall will depend on the forward returning to full fitness ahead of selection for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States. The looming surgery means Santos, supporters and national team staff will closely monitor his rehabilitation and fitness levels in the coming months.
For Santos, the season ended on a high note as Neymar’s contributions helped avert relegation in a campaign that had threatened the club’s status. His willingness to play through pain underscored his commitment to the club’s cause, but now the focus shifts to medical recovery. Costs, timelines and the exact nature of the operation remain undisclosed, leaving uncertainty over how quickly he might resume training and competitive action.
The situation underscores the wider challenge for aging elite players managing recurring injuries while still producing match-defining performances. For Neymar, the path forward will depend on successful surgery, disciplined rehabilitation and a return to the consistency that once made him one of world football’s most formidable attackers.
