Neymar has announced his decision to undergo knee surgery following a crucial season that saw him help Santos FC avoid relegation from Brazil’s top flight. The 33-year-old forward played through significant pain, captaining the team in six of their final seven Serie A matches, where he scored five goals and provided one assist. Santos finished the season four points clear of the relegation zone, securing their place in the league for another year.
In a post-match interview after Santos’ decisive 3-0 victory over Cruzeiro on December 8, 2025, Neymar expressed uncertainty about his future with the club. “I don’t know (about my future),” he stated, as reported by ESPN. “I asked the club if I could wait for those games. Now I want to rest for a week and forget about football.” This moment encapsulated the emotional journey he experienced during the latter part of the season.
Neymar emphasized his deep connection to Santos, stating, “Obviously, my heart is always in Santos. I’m going to put Santos first.” His performance was instrumental in helping the team qualify for the Copa Sudamericana, a goal he had set from the outset. “We played our football, faced the best teams in the division and picked up points,” he noted, reflecting on the team’s efforts.
The last few weeks had been particularly challenging for Neymar, both physically and mentally. “These were difficult weeks for me. My mental state was at zero,” he admitted. He expressed gratitude to those who supported him through his struggles, acknowledging that without their help, he might not have been able to contribute to the team. “And to God,” he added, highlighting his reliance on faith during this tough period.
Neymar returned to Santos in January 2025 after a stint with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. Earlier this year, he signed a contract extension with the club, which is set to expire in December. He concluded the Brazilian season with a total of 11 goals and four assists in 28 appearances.
As the football world turns its attention to the upcoming FIFA World Cup in June 2026, speculation about Neymar’s place in the Brazilian squad continues. Manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke about the team selections, stating, “We have to think about Brazil, which can be with Neymar or without Neymar.”
Ancelotti clarified that decisions regarding the final roster will be made closer to the tournament. “If Neymar deserves to be, if he is well, better than someone else, he will play in the World Cup,” he affirmed. This statement underscores the competitive nature of selection, with Ancelotti indicating that performance will dictate who makes the cut.
As Neymar prepares for surgery, the football community will be watching closely to see how this next phase of recovery impacts his career and future decisions regarding his beloved Santos FC.
