Neymar is undergoing surgery in the hope of being included in the Brazil squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Neymar has undergone successful surgery on his left knee to repair a damaged meniscus, his club Santos said on Monday.

The 33-year-old endured a difficult season at Santos as he played through injury to help the club avoid relegation from Brazil’s top flight.

The Brazilian national team doctor performed the arthroscopic surgery, having previously operated on Neymar for a foot fracture and the torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered against Uruguay in October 2023.

Neymar is expected to need a recovery period of about a month. His contract with Santos expires at the end of this year, but he is in discussions with the club about a new contract.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain striker has not played for Brazil in more than two years but hopes to be fit and part of coach Carlo Ancelotti’s plans for the 2026 World Cup.

Neymar is Brazil’s record scorer with 79 goals from 128 games.

Published on December 23, 2025