Neymar Undergoes Knee Surgery Six Months Before the World Cup

Brazil and Santos forward Neymar Jr has successfully undergone surgery on his left knee, marking another crucial chapter in his long and often interrupted battle with injury. The procedure, carried out to repair damage to the meniscus, was performed using a minimally invasive arthroscopic technique and has been described by his club as a success.

Santos confirmed that the operation was conducted by the Brazilian national team’s trusted medical specialist, a doctor well acquainted with Neymar’s medical history. The same physician previously oversaw surgeries following a fractured foot earlier in Neymar’s career, as well as the devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture he suffered in 2023—an injury that sidelined him for a prolonged period and significantly disrupted his momentum at both club and international level.

Now 33 years old, Neymar played through persistent knee pain for much of the season, a testament to both his determination and importance to Santos. Despite not being fully fit, he emerged as the club’s decisive figure during a critical phase of the campaign. Facing the very real threat of relegation from Brazil’s top flight, Santos relied heavily on Neymar’s experience and quality. In the final four matches of the season, he scored five goals, playing a decisive role in securing the club’s survival. Those performances, delivered while enduring considerable discomfort, reinforced his enduring influence on the pitch.

The timing of the surgery is particularly significant. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup now just six months away, Neymar is hopeful that this intervention will allow him to return to peak condition and reinsert himself into the plans of Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti. For Neymar, the upcoming World Cup represents a potential final opportunity to lead Brazil on football’s grandest stage.

Statistically, his legacy with the national team is already secure. Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, having netted 79 goals in 128 international appearances. However, injuries have kept him away from the Seleção for more than two years, denying him the chance to add to that remarkable tally.

In January, Neymar made an emotional return to Santos, the club where his professional journey began. Prior to that move, he endured a frustrating spell at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, where injuries limited him to just seven appearances over more than eighteen months. That period was largely defined by surgery, rehabilitation, and repeated attempts to regain full fitness.

Neymar’s current contract with Santos is set to expire at the end of the year. The club has confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding a potential extension, with both parties keen to assess his recovery and long-term role. For now, the focus remains firmly on rehabilitation—and on whether this latest surgery can pave the way for a fitting final act on the world stage.

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