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Neymar will undergo knee surgery after pushing through significant discomfort to help Santos secure its place in Brazil’s top division. The club sealed its survival with a 3–0 win over Cruzeiro on Sunday, but the effort came at a physical cost for the 33-year-old forward, whose latest injury raises new questions about his availability for next year’s World Cup.
Neymar returned to Santos in January after a spell in Saudi Arabia. The move was framed as a homecoming and a chance to reset his career at the club where he first became a global star. Despite limited appearances, his influence late in the season was undeniable. He scored five goals in Santos’ final four matches, providing the crucial lift the team needed to avoid relegation.
Speaking after Sunday’s win, Neymar acknowledged just how difficult the last stretch has been. “I came for this, to try to help the best way I can. These have been tough weeks for me,” he told reporters. He played in only 20 of the team’s 38 league matches but still managed to leave a lasting impact during the run-in.
He expressed gratitude for the support he received behind the scenes. “I thank those who were with me to lift me up,” he said. “If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have played these matches because of these injuries, this knee problem. I need to rest and then we will have this knee surgery.”
Neymar did not share specifics about the procedure or when he expects to return. The uncertainty comes at a time when he is already fighting to keep his international career alive. He has not appeared for Brazil in two years, a drought caused by a series of injuries that have derailed multiple attempts at a full comeback, reports Business Standard.
His absence from the national team has become a growing concern as Brazil prepares for the expanded 2025 World Cup, which will run from June 11 to July 19 in Canada, Mexico and the United States. In October, head coach Carlo Ancelotti was clear about what Neymar needs to do if he hopes to reclaim his place. The forward, he said, must regain full fitness before he can be considered for selection.
The surgery now places that goal in jeopardy. Recovery timelines for knee injuries vary widely, and without details about the procedure, it is difficult to gauge how much of the coming year Neymar may miss. What is clear is that every setback tightens the window for him to regain rhythm, match fitness and the sharpness required at the international level.
Neymar’s career has been defined by brilliance often interrupted by physical setbacks. This latest challenge fits a familiar pattern, though his determination to play through pain in Santos’ final matches reflects how much the club means to him. His goals were essential in lifting Santos out of danger, and the emotional weight of helping his boyhood club survive was evident in his post-match comments.
As he heads into surgery, the focus turns to rehabilitation and whether he can rebuild in time for Brazil’s World Cup campaign. The national team has leaned heavily on younger stars during his absence, and competition for places has tightened. Still, Neymar’s talent and experience make him a player Brazil would welcome back—if he can get healthy.
For now, Santos celebrates safety, Neymar steps into another recovery phase, and the football world waits to see whether one of the sport’s most gifted attackers can make it back for one more World Cup stage.
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