Neymar Jr, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, is set to undergo knee surgery after playing through pain to help Santos avoid relegation from Brazil’s Serie A. The 33-year-old forward played the full 90 minutes in Santos’ crucial 3-0 win over Cruzeiro on Sunday, securing the club’s place in the top flight for the next season.

Playing Through Injury

Despite the knee issue, Neymar insisted on taking the field, saying, “I need to rest and then I will have this knee surgery.” He returned to Santos in January after a limited spell at Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, where he made just seven appearances over 18 months.

Since returning to his boyhood club, Neymar has been instrumental in Santos’ fight for survival, scoring five goals in the last four matches of the season and providing key assists. “I came for this, to try to help in the best way I can,” he said. “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 this knee problem.”

World Cup Hopes Still Alive

Injuries have limited Neymar’s involvement with Brazil since the October 2023 defeat by Uruguay, but the recent streak of strong performances could keep him in contention for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has emphasized that Neymar must regain full fitness and form to be considered for selection.

The past 10 days have been critical for Neymar’s World Cup prospects. Playing through pain, he led Santos to three consecutive victories:

• 3-0 win over Sport – goal and assist
• 3-0 win at Juventude – hat-trick
• 3-0 win over Cruzeiro – strong overall contribution

These performances helped Santos secure survival and potentially a spot in next year’s Copa Libertadores equivalent, ensuring Neymar remains in top-flight football.

Context and Challenges

While these wins have been vital, it’s important to note that Santos faced weaker opposition in these fixtures: Sport and Juventude had already been relegated, and Cruzeiro fielded reserves due to cup commitments. Nevertheless, avoiding relegation was crucial. A drop to the second division would have made it nearly impossible for Neymar to maintain his World Cup ambitions.

Neymar’s contract with Santos runs out at the end of the month, leaving uncertainty about his immediate future. Whether he stays with Santos or signs a short-term deal elsewhere, the next few months are pivotal. With the Brazilian first division starting earlier than usual at the end of January, a successful recovery from minor knee surgery could give Neymar enough time to regain top form before the World Cup.

Neymar’s Legacy and Current Form

Neymar made his Brazil debut in 2010 and has scored 79 goals in 128 appearances, cementing his status as one of the nation’s all-time greats. Despite recurring injuries, his recent performances demonstrate that he remains a decisive player capable of influencing critical matches.

Ancelotti highlighted the forward’s potential to contribute, saying, “We are in December and the World Cup is not until June. It all depends, then, on what Neymar does with the next few months.” If Neymar can return to fitness and continue his form, he could still play a key role in Brazil’s quest for glory next summer.

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Key Takeaways

• Neymar to undergo knee surgery after playing crucial matches for Santos.
• Played through pain to help Santos avoid relegation, scoring five goals in four games.
• Maintains realistic hopes of playing at the 2026 World Cup.
• Contract with Santos ends soon; future club situation remains uncertain.
• Past injuries have limited Neymar’s appearances for Brazil, but form and fitness could secure a World Cup spot.