Neymar‘s rollercoaster return to his boyhood club has taken another twist as the Brazil forward underwent knee surgery on Monday, a procedure his club says was successful but that leaves questions about his availability for the start of the next season and his ambitions with the national team.
After a turbulent year punctuated by injuries, Neymar opted for a meniscus operation following the conclusion of the 2025 Serie A campaign.
The 33yearold had battled through pain in recent weeks, helping the club stave off relegation with crucial performances, including a 30 victory that secured their place in the division, before committing to surgery that Santos hopes will allow him to begin 2026 with clearer fitness prospects.
In a statement released by Santos, club officials confirmed Neymar “underwent surgery this Monday morning… an arthroscopy was performed to treat a lesion in the medial meniscus. The surgery was a success and the athlete is doing well.”
The club added that he will begin rehabilitation under the supervision of his longtime physiotherapist, Rafael Martini, and is expected to be discharged later in the day.
Neymar‘s decision to go under the knife follows a period of intense physical demand.
After returning from Al-Hilal in January, where an earlier serious knee injury had limited his appearances, he played a pivotal role in Santos‘ campaign, scoring eight goals in 20 league outings and helping ensure the club’s survival despite persistent discomfort.
“I came for this, to try to help the best way I can,” Neymar said after Santos‘ lateseason escape from relegation.
“These have been tough weeks for me…I thank those who were with me to lift me up. 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.”
With his contract set to expire on December 31, Neymar‘s future beyond this year remains a topic of speculation.
Club and player representatives are reportedly in discussions over a possible extension, with both sides weighing his value to Santos and his broader ambitions.
Sources suggest that negotiations could be influenced by Neymar‘s rehabilitation progress and his desire to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Brazil will cohost.
Recovery timeline and World Cup hopes
Despite the surgery being described as minimally invasive, the timing could leave Neymar sidelined for a significant portion of Santos‘ preseason activities.
Players are scheduled to return to training in early January, with the Campeonato Paulista kicking off soon after, a stretch that Neymar is now expected to miss as he focuses on regaining full fitness.
Santos will work closely with Neymar‘s medical team to chart a rehabilitation plan that balances club duties with his aspirations for international duty.
Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil‘s head coach, has emphasized that any inclusion in the national squad for the 2026 tournament will depend on a player’s physical readiness and competitive form, leaving Neymar‘s place far from guaranteed.
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