Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr. is once again battling injury, this time a new meniscus issue in his left knee. The issue has been causing him persistent pain during sessions, and Santos’ medical team has suggested that surgery may be required. Despite being advised to rest, Neymar still appeared at training, going against medical recommendations.
According to a report from Globo, doctors, Santos officials, and members of the forward’s personal staff all urged him to immediately stop playing. They also advised him to undergo arthroscopy to repair the damage.
“The doctors clearly asked him to pause all football activity,” the report stated. Should he proceed with surgery, Neymar is unlikely to return to the field again in 2025.
Santos Facing Relegation Pressure as Neymar Pushes to Play
Santos, struggling near the bottom of the Brazilian Serie A table, has three crucial fixtures remaining. His availability for these matches is still uncertain. The star reportedly hopes to feature in the upcoming game against Sport Recife, prompting him to return to training for the first time this week.
Club president Marcelo Teixeira confirmed that Neymar underwent new medical exams on Wednesday, saying,
“𝑾𝒆 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒆 𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒚.”
Despite this, the 33-year-old trained with a protective brace on his left leg and exited the training ground early to avoid media attention.
Major Risks Ahead for Neymar
If Neymar opts against the recommended surgery, there is a high chance the injury will worsen. Yet, if he goes through with the procedure, recovery could take around a month—something that doesn’t favor his desire to continue playing during a critical stage for Santos. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has already stressed that he will only be part of the 2026 World Cup squad if he is fully fit, making this setback even more concerning.
Neymar has faced four injuries in 2025 alone. Since joining Santos in January, he has dealt with issues in both thighs and now his knee. His frequent injuries have limited him to just 25 matches and 7 goals this year, raising doubts over a potential contract extension.
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