Neymar has had successful knee surgery, his club Santos confirmed on Monday, as he looks to recover in time to keep his hopes of playing at next year’s World Cup alive.
The 33-year-old recently returned to Santos, the club where he started his career, and played an important role in helping them stay in Brazil’s top division. Despite playing with pain, he scored five goals in his final four matches.
Santos said the operation was carried out by Brazil national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar. The club confirmed the procedure went well and that Neymar is recovering.
No exact return date has been given, but Brazilian media report that he could be out for up to a month.
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has not played for the national team since 2023 due to several injuries.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has said Neymar must be fully fit if he wants to return to the squad for the World Cup, which will take place from 11 June to 19 July in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Brazil will play Scotland, Morocco and Haiti in Group C.
