Neymar storms back into FIFA World Cup contention after successful knee injury

Neymar has undergone a successful arthroscopic surgery on his knee, as the winger now goes into a battle of finding a place back in the FIFA World Cup next year. The former Barcelona star returned to Santos in January this year, and has been in fine form, scoring five goals in their previous five encounters.

Santos said that the surgery was performed by Rodrigo Lasmar, who is the Brazilian national team doctor.

“An arthroscopy was performed to treat a medial meniscus injury. The surgery was a success, and the athlete is doing well,” they added.

Santos did not provide a timeline for his return, though Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte reported his recovery would take up to a month.

Neymar, Brazil’s leading goalscorer with 79 goals, has not featured for the five-times World Cup winners since 2023 due to a succession of injuries.

In October, national team head coach Carlo Ancelotti said he must be fit if he is to earn a recall to the squad for the June 11 to July 19 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Brazil will face Scotland, 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco and Haiti in Group C.

(With Reuters inputs)

First Published: 

Dec 23, 2025 9:21 PM

IST