Brazilian football superstar Neymar Jr. is scheduled for knee surgery following a heroic effort to save his boyhood club Santos from relegation. The 33-year-old forward played the full 90 minutes through significant discomfort during Sunday’s decisive 3-0 victory over Cruzeiro, ensuring the team’s continued presence in Brazil’s top-flight Serie A league.
Neymar, who returned to Santos in January after an injury-plagued 18-month stint with Saudi Pro League’s Al Hilal where he made just seven appearances, became the club’s salvation in their final matches. The legendary scorer netted five crucial goals across Santos’ last four games of the season, demonstrating his enduring class despite physical limitations.
‘I came for this, to try to help in the best way I can,’ Neymar stated after the match. ‘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.’
The persistent knee issue has not only affected his club career but has also limited his international appearances. Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 national team caps hasn’t featured for the Seleção since October 2023. National team coach Carlo Ancelotti emphasized in October that Neymar must achieve full fitness and form to be considered for selection ahead of next summer’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
No specific timeline has been provided for Neymar’s recovery following the impending surgical procedure, with the player simply noting: ‘I need to rest and then I will have this knee surgery.’