Brazil superstar Neymar underwent successful knee surgery on Monday to boost his chances of participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Afrosport reports.
The 33-year-old has had an injury-ravaged spell on his return to Santos, where his career began.
He was however able to play a crucial part in securing their survival status in the Brazilian Serie A, scoring five times in their last four matches as they finished 12th, just four points off the relegation zone.
Santos, in a statement, said Neymar’s surgery was a success but did not give a time frame for his return. Reports in Brazil however suggest it could take up to a month for him to recover.
O jogador Neymar da Silva Santos Junior foi operado na manhã desta segunda-feira (22/12) no Mater Dei Nova Lima pelo Dr. Rodrigo Lasmar e equipe.
Foi realizada uma artroscopia para tratamento de lesão no menisco medial. A cirurgia foi um sucesso e o atleta passa bem.
Neymar… pic.twitter.com/Jun4CUjDKR
— Santos FC (@SantosFC) December 22, 2025
Neymar, who is the leading goalscorer of Brazil with 79 goals in 128 caps, last played for the Selecao in October 2023 during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers because of recurring injury problems.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has insisted the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player must be fit to have a place in the World Cup squad.
The five-time champions will take on Morocco, Scotland and debutants Haiti in Group C.
