The Brazilian forward, Neymar, has had a minor operation on his left knee as he tries to clear lingering pain and give himself one last clean run at the World Cup. At 33, with his body tested and his patience stretched, Neymar is betting on recovery, not shortcuts, to keep his Brazil dream alive.
Neymar Injury Update
Neymar underwent minor surgery on his left knee earlier this week, his club Santos confirmed on Monday. The procedure was an arthroscopy, a minimally invasive operation used to treat issues inside the joint.
ESPN reported Neymar’s surgery was performed by Rodrigo Lasmar, a familiar figure in Neymar’s career and the doctor who also works closely with the Brazil national team.
Reportedly, recovery from the surgery is expected to take around a month. After that, Neymar will begin rehabilitation under the supervision of his longtime physiotherapist. There is no rush to return to match action.
This time, the focus is on stability, strength, and trust in the knee. Since tearing his ACL in October 2023 during World Cup qualifying, Neymar’s comeback attempts have repeatedly stalled. Each return has been followed by another setback. This surgery is meant to break that cycle as this might also be his last World Cup.
Playing Through Pain
Instead of opting for immediate surgery, Neymar chose to delay it. Santos were fighting to stay in Brazil’s top division, and he played on through discomfort to help them survive.
Neymar featured in only 19 of the 38 Serie A rounds after returning to Santos in January. In total, he managed 15 appearances in 2025, scoring three goals and registering three assists.
However, his impact went beyond raw numbers. Five of his goals came during the final stretch of the season, directly contributing to Santos avoiding relegation. It was a familiar pattern.
Neymar Injury History
Neymar has endured a long history of injuries, particularly to his ankles, knees, and hamstrings. Have a look!
| Year | Injury | Club/Team | Duration/Matches Missed |
| 2014 | Fractured vertebra (L3) | Brazil (World Cup) | ~1 month |
| 2018 | Metatarsal fracture | PSG | Feb–May (~3 months / 16 games) |
| 2019 | Metatarsal fracture | PSG | Jan–Apr (~3 months / 18 games) |
| 2021 | Ankle ligament rupture | PSG | Jun–Aug (~2 months) |
| 2023 | Ankle sprain | PSG | Feb–Jun (~4 months) |
| 2023–2024 | ACL & meniscus tear | Al-Hilal | Oct 2023–Oct 2024 (12 months / 48 games) |
| 2025 | Knee meniscus tear | Santos | Nov–Dec (surgery Dec 22) |
The Road Back to Brazil and World Cup 2026 with Neymar Injury Update
As a matter of fact, Neymar has not played for Brazil since 2023. Speaking at a music event in São Paulo last weekend, he said,” We will do the impossible to bring this cup to Brazil… In July, you can remind us of it. Hi, Ancelotti, help us out!”
Ancelotti, appointed in May, has kept his stance clear and consistent. Neymar will be considered if, and only if, he is fully fit. There will be no shortcuts, no reputational picks. For a player who is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, that reality cuts both ways. The door is open along with the team for the 2026 FIFA, but only on strict terms.
SUGGESTED READ: FIFA Confirms $727 Million Prize Pool for 2026 World Cup After 50% Increase
Club Situation and Selection Outlook
Sources have told ESPN that Neymar is in talks with Santos to remain at the club for at least another six months, taking him closer to the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
His recent club history explains that caution. After leaving Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar joined Al-Hilal in mid-2023, but injuries restricted him to just seven appearances over nearly two years.
He terminated that contract before returning to Santos in January 2025. Even back home, injuries followed him. The knee meniscus issue was only the latest in a long line.
The next few months will decide everything. Recovery, rehabilitation, and rhythm!
Stay Tuned With JeetWin Sports For More Updates!
