Neymar’s rollercoaster return to his boyhood club took a further turn after the Brazilian forward underwent knee surgery on Monday, which the club said was successful, but questions remain over his availability for the start of next season and his national team ambitions.
After a tumultuous year interrupted by injuries, Neymar has opted for meniscus surgery after the 2025 Serie A season.
The 33-year-old has battled pain in recent weeks and helped the club avoid relegation with key performances, including a 30-win win that sealed their place in the league, before undergoing surgery that Santos hopes will allow him to enter 2026 with a clearer outlook on his fitness.
In a statement released by Santos, club officials confirmed that Neymar “underwent surgery this Monday morning… Arthroscopy was performed to treat a lesion in the medial meniscus. The surgery was successful and the player is in good condition.”
The club added that he has begun rehabilitation under the supervision of long-time physiotherapist Rafael Martini and is expected to be discharged from hospital the same day.
Neymar made the decision to go under the knife after a period of intense physical demands.
After returning from Al Hilal in January, where he had been limited by a serious knee injury, he played a central role in Santos’ campaign, scoring eight goals in 20 league games and helping the club survive despite continued discomfort.
“I came for this. I tried to help in the best way I could,” Neymar said at the end of the season, when Santos escaped the relegation zone.
“The last few weeks have been tough for me… I’m grateful to the guys who have pulled me up with them. Without them, I wouldn’t have played in these games because of this injury and this knee problem. I need to rest, and then I’m going to have knee surgery.”
Neymar’s contract expires on December 31st, so his future beyond this year remains a topic of speculation.
Club and player representatives are reportedly in talks about a potential extension, with both sides weighing his value to Santos against his wider ambitions.
Sources said negotiations could be influenced by Neymar’s rehabilitation progress and his desire to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is co-hosted by Brazil.
Recovery schedule and expectations for the World Cup
Although the surgery is said to be minimally invasive, the timing means Neymar could miss a significant portion of Santos’ pre-season activities.
The players are scheduled to return to training in early January, with the Campeonato Paulista starting soon after, but Neymar is expected to miss this period as he focuses on regaining full fitness.
Santos will work closely with Neymar’s medical team to develop a rehabilitation plan that balances his club duties with his international aspirations.
Brazil national team manager Carlo Ancelotti stressed that Neymar’s place in the 2026 national team is far from guaranteed, as his selection for the 2026 tournament depends on the player’s physical preparation and competitiveness.
