Neymar Plans Knee Surgery, Targets 2026 World Cup

Neymar Jr., the Brazilian soccer star, capped a dramatic return to his boyhood club Santos by helping secure their survival in Brazil's top flight, but now faces knee surgery that will sideline him for about a month as he eyes a spot in Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad.

The 33-year-old forward rejoined Santos in January 2025 after his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal ended amid persistent injuries during an 18-month stint there. His homecoming came at a critical time for the historic club, which was languishing in the relegation zone entering the final stretch of the Brazilian Serie A season. Despite nursing a meniscus injury in his left knee, Neymar delayed surgery to feature in the crucial closing matches. He scored five of his eight goals for the season in the last five games, including a decisive performance in Santos' 3-0 victory over Cruzeiro on December 7 that clinched their top-division status and a berth in the 2026 Copa Sudamericana.

Santos ended the campaign on a five-game unbeaten streak, with three straight wins transforming fan sentiment from frustration to adulation for the player who first rose to fame with the club as a teenager. Neymar's contributions not...