Brazilian football icon Neymar has successfully undergone surgery on his left knee, taking an important step in his bid to return to full fitness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His club Santos confirmed on Monday that the procedure, carried out to repair a damaged meniscus, was completed without complications.
The 33-year-old forward endured a physically demanding and emotionally testing season with Santos, continuing to play despite ongoing discomfort in his knee. His commitment proved crucial as the club fought to avoid relegation from Brazil’s top division, with Neymar often featuring while not fully fit.
The arthroscopic operation was performed by Brazil’s national team doctor, who has previously overseen several of Neymar’s major procedures. These include surgery for a serious foot fracture and the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury he sustained during an international match against Uruguay in October 2023. The latest surgery is viewed as a preventative and restorative measure designed to stabilize his knee and reduce long-term risk.
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According to club sources, Neymar is expected to be sidelined for approximately one month as he undergoes rehabilitation. Medical staff remain optimistic that the recovery timeline will allow him to resume training before the end of the year, provided there are no setbacks.
Contractually, Neymar’s future at Santos remains under discussion. His current deal expires at the end of the calendar year, but negotiations are ongoing over a possible extension. The club is keen to retain its most high-profile player, while Neymar is understood to be focused on ensuring his body can withstand the demands of elite football.
On the international stage, Neymar has not represented Brazil for more than two years due to injury-related absences. However, he remains hopeful of returning to the national setup and playing a role under head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who is expected to lead Brazil into the 2026 World Cup cycle.
Despite his recent struggles, Neymar’s legacy with the Seleção remains unmatched among his generation. He is Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, having netted 79 goals in 128 appearances, surpassing the long-standing record previously held by Pelé.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11 and will be hosted jointly by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The opening match is set to take place at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, a venue steeped in World Cup history after hosting the finals in both 1970 and 1986.
For Neymar, the coming months will be decisive. Successful rehabilitation, contract clarity, and consistent playing time could determine whether the Brazilian superstar earns one final chance to shine on football’s biggest stage in 2026.
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