Neymar Jr., one of the most iconic names in world football, ends 2024 with only two games played. The star of Al-Hilal, from Saudi Arabia, and the Brazilian national team, faced a year marked by a severe knee injury, which not only limited his performances but also raised questions about his future on the pitch. At 32 years old, Neymar is at a critical moment in his career, where physical recovery and high-level performance have become his greatest challenges.
The year 2024 was one of the most difficult in the athlete’s career. After suffering a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in October 2023, Neymar spent over 12 months sidelined, returning to the field only in October 2024. However, what could have been a promising comeback was quickly interrupted by a new muscle injury, which once again kept him out of action, limiting his total game time to just 42 minutes that year.
A brief return and physical challenges
After a long and intense recovery, Neymar returned to action for Al-Hilal on October 21, in a 5-4 victory against Al-Ain in the AFC Champions League. Coming on in the second half, the star was on the field for just 13 minutes, enough time to show glimpses of his skill but also to highlight the lack of match rhythm after more than a year away from competitive football.
Shortly after, on November 4, Neymar played his second and final game of the year against Esteghlal. In what symbolized his quest for continuity, he suffered a new muscle injury to his right thigh after just 29 minutes of play, forcing his exit and the start of another recovery period. This new setback not only frustrated the player’s plans but also limited his opportunities to shine in Saudi football and with the Brazilian national team.
The severity of the knee injury and its impacts
A rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament is one of the most feared injuries in football. It requires not only months of recovery but also a rigorous rehabilitation process to regain strength, mobility, and confidence. Neymar faced exactly this challenge after the severe injury he suffered in October 2023 during a World Cup Qualifiers match against Uruguay.
The extended recovery period — 369 days off the field — underscored the severity of the injury. Even with advances in sports medicine and access to cutting-edge technologies, returning to peak performance remains uncertain after such an injury. For Neymar, the situation was even more complex due to the pressure of resuming his starring role both at Al-Hilal and with the Brazilian national team.
The lack of continuity at Al-Hilal
Al-Hilal made a significant investment when signing Neymar in 2023, but so far, the technical and sporting returns have been limited. In 2024, the player was unable to participate in the Saudi Pro League due to his registration being restricted to continental competitions like the AFC Champions League. This restriction, combined with his injuries, meant Neymar had no significant impact on the Saudi team’s performance.
In the context of the AFC Champions League, Al-Hilal had high hopes that Neymar’s brilliance would drive their success in the competition. However, Neymar was unable to make a meaningful contribution in the two matches he played, and his absence was deeply felt by both fans and the coaching staff. The club, which invested millions in signing him, now faces the dilemma of managing the physical limitations of its biggest star.
Neymar’s history with injuries throughout his career
Injuries have been a recurring factor in Neymar’s career. From his professional debut at Santos to his time at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and now Al-Hilal, the player has built a worrying track record of physical setbacks. According to recent data, Neymar has suffered 38 injuries since 2013, ranging from muscular problems and metatarsal fractures to ankle sprains and, most recently, the severe knee injury.
These physical challenges have not only limited his availability for key matches but also impacted his development as a player. In decisive moments, such as the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, Neymar was either absent or performing below his best, leaving gaps that directly affected Brazil’s results.
Market value decline and career impact
In addition to physical difficulties, injuries have also taken a financial toll on Neymar’s career. The player saw his market value plummet in recent years, reflecting doubts about his ability to remain competitive at the highest level. In 2024, Neymar was valued at €15 million, half of what he was worth the previous year.
This devaluation directly reflects his physical condition and lack of consistency on the pitch. While still a major figure in sports marketing, Neymar must overcome these obstacles to reclaim his place among the world’s best players.
Neymar’s challenges with the Brazilian national team
Despite a period of instability, Neymar remains a key figure for the Brazilian national team. However, his prolonged absence in 2024 raised questions about his ability to lead the team in the quest for their sixth World Cup title in 2026. At 32 years old, Neymar is at a turning point where he must balance the experience he has gained throughout his career with the physical recovery needed to perform at a high level.
The Brazilian national team, which is also undergoing a process of renewal, will depend on Neymar’s form for upcoming challenges. His presence on the roster could be a game-changer, but his physical condition will be the main determinant of his ability to continue as a protagonist.
Neymar’s 2024 season statistics
- Games played: 2
- Minutes on the pitch: 42
- Goals scored: 0
- Assists: 0
- Days sidelined due to injury: 369 (knee injury) + 58 (muscle injury)
- Market value: €15 million
Rehabilitation and Neymar’s injury recovery insights
- Neymar utilized advanced technologies like cryotherapy and biomechanical analysis during his recovery.
- The average recovery time for anterior cruciate ligament injuries is 6 to 12 months; Neymar was sidelined for over a year.
- His injury history includes fractures, sprains, and muscle tears, with one of the most severe incidents occurring during the 2014 World Cup.
What lies ahead in 2025 for Neymar’s career
With 2024 ending on a challenging note, Neymar is already setting his sights on 2025. His anticipated return to action in February, during the decisive stages of the AFC Champions League, will provide an opportunity to show that he still has much to offer. Neymar knows that each match will be crucial for rebuilding his confidence, regaining his rhythm, and reestablishing his respect on the global stage.
The 2026 World Cup is Neymar’s ultimate goal. To achieve this, he must not only overcome his injuries but also prove that he can still be a decisive player in high-stakes competitions. The challenge is immense, but the talent that once elevated him to the pinnacle of world football remains a beacon of hope for his fans and the Brazilian national team.