Brazilian forward Neymar has undergone a successful operation on his left knee to repair a damaged meniscus, boosting his hopes of being fit for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 33-year-old, who currently plays for Santos, has battled the injury throughout a challenging season, yet played a crucial role in helping the club avoid relegation from Brazil’s top flight.

Details of the Surgery

Santos confirmed that Neymar’s surgery was performed by the Brazil national team doctor. The procedure was arthroscopic, minimally invasive, and similar to operations the forward previously underwent for a foot fracture and a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in 2023.

The successful operation now positions Neymar to continue his recovery in preparation for potential inclusion in Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Neymar’s Impact at Santos

Since returning to his boyhood club Santos in January, Neymar has made a significant impact despite limited appearances during his previous stint at Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, where he played just seven matches over 18 months.

In the closing stages of the Brazilian season, Neymar played through the pain of his knee injury to score five goals in the last four matches, a key factor in ensuring Santos’ survival in the top division. His leadership and quality on the ball provided both inspiration and tangible results for the struggling team.

Brazil Career and Records

Neymar, a former star at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, is Brazil’s all-time record goalscorer, with 79 goals in 128 appearances. However, he has not played for his national team in over two years due to injury and intermittent absences.

With his knee now repaired, Neymar will aim to return to competitive action ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where Brazil will look to challenge for the trophy once again. His experience and goal-scoring prowess could be crucial to Brazil’s ambitions on the global stage.

Future at Santos

Neymar’s contract with Santos is set to expire at the end of the year, but the forward is reportedly in talks with the club over a new deal. Given his importance to the team and his recent contributions, a contract renewal seems likely, allowing Neymar to continue his career at the club where he first made his name.