Neymar undergoes knee surgery after pulling Santos up; Hopes to join Brazil’s World Cup preparations

Updated on: Dec 23, 2025 11:37 am IST

Neymar celebrates after the match.(REUTERS)

Neymar has undergone successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, targeting the medial meniscus.

Neymar has undergone arthroscopic surgery in his left knee after the end of his club’s Brazilian season, closing the curtain on a stop-start run that again hinged on his fitness.

The 33-year-old forward, who returned to boyhood colours this year, will now begin rehabilitation as he targets a return in time for Brazil’s next international windows.

He will be assessed, with training loads increased step by step once pain-free stability fully returns.

What the club said and what happens next

In an official medical update, Santos FC said the procedure was carried out to address a problem with the medial meniscus in Neymar’s left knee. The operation took place at Mater de Hospital in Nova Lima and was performed by Dr Rodrigo Lasmar. The update added that the surgery was completed successfully and that Neymar will start physiotherapy in the coming days.

No exact timeline was provided, which is common for meniscus-related procedures where recovery can vary depending on the extent of the repair and the athlete’s response to rehab. The immediate focus will be on reducing swelling, restoring range of motion and rebuilding strength around the joint before Neymar progresses to running, sharp changes of direction and full contact training.

Also Read: How David Beckham’s rift with son Brooklyn escalated: The Instagram block, the backlash and the backstory

For the team, the update offers clarity after a season in which Neymar’s availability remained a headline. When fit, his presence shaped the attacking identity, drawing crowds and attention while also offering the final pass and set-piece craft that few players in the league can match. But when he was absent, the side was forced to adjust their tempo and structure, often leaning more heavily on transitions rather than sustained possession.

For Neymar, the surgery is another pivotal checkpoint in the second act of a career that has been repeatedly disrupted by injury in recent years. His goal now is to string together uninterrupted weeks of training, regain rhythm and demonstrate that his body can handle the demands of top-level football over an extended period.

Brazil will also watch closely. Neymar remains one of the country’s most influential figures and a central talking point ahead of the long build-up to the 2026 World Cup. A smooth recovery would strengthen his case for continued involvement, while any setback would intensify questions about how much the national team can plan around him.

Further updates are expected as milestones are reached. For now, the message is simple: surgery done, rehab begins immediately

  • At HT Sports Desk, passionate reporters work round the clock to provide detailed updates from the world of sports. Expect nuanced match reports, previews,reviews, technical analysis based on statistics, the latest social media trends, expert opinions on cricket, football, tennis, badminton, hockey,motorsports, wrestling, boxing, shooting, athletics and much more. Read Less …Read More

Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.

Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.

See Less

  • Related Posts

    Bagan ease into ISL12 with 2-0 win

    Kolkata: Mohun Bagan Super Giant again got a goal in added time from a central defender against Kerala Blasters. Last season, it was Alberto Rodriguez whose screamer made the difference…

    Brazil midfielder Paqueta set for Flamengo move ahead of World Cup after asking to leave West Ham

    LONDON — West Ham has given Brazil midfielder Lucas Paqueta permission to undergo a medical examination and discuss personal terms with Flamengo ahead of the World Cup. Paqueta’s turbulent spell…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You Missed

    Vijay Sethupathys Muthu Alias Kaattaan gets release date; teaser unveiled

    Vijay Sethupathys Muthu Alias Kaattaan gets release date; teaser unveiled

    The Genius of Trees: Read an excerpt from the book by Harriet Rix

    The Genius of Trees: Read an excerpt from the book by Harriet Rix

    Lamborghini seized after Kanpur crash released after 8.5 crore bond payment

    Lamborghini seized after Kanpur crash released after  8.5 crore bond payment

    Prague Masters: Gukesh suffers shock defeat to van Foreest, Aravindh draws with Maghsoodloo

    Prague Masters: Gukesh suffers shock defeat to van Foreest, Aravindh draws with Maghsoodloo

    The Kerala Story 2 box office prediction: Controversy buzz doesn’t help sequel, film to open at less than half of part 1

    The Kerala Story 2 box office prediction: Controversy buzz doesn’t help sequel, film to open at less than half of part 1

    Subedaar: Full music album of Anil Kapoors upcoming actioner out

    Subedaar: Full music album of Anil Kapoors upcoming actioner out