Striker Neymar, from Santos, suffered a meniscus injury in his left knee and is out of the final three games of Campeonato Brasileiro in 2025. The diagnosis was confirmed by the club’s medical department this Tuesday (25/11). The injury occurred during the 1-1 draw with Mirassol, on November 19, at Vila Belmiro.
The 33-year-old player had already been spared from the duel against Internacional, last Monday, in Porto Alegre. Treatment will still be defined in the coming days as conservative or surgical. The absence happens at a time when Santos occupies a position in the relegation zone.
The club faces Sport (28/11), Juventude (03/12) and Cruzeiro (07/12) needing to score points to remain in Série A.
Injury history accumulates four problems in 2025
Neymar has four muscle or joint injuries this season alone for Santos.
His left knee had already undergone anterior cruciate ligament surgery in October 2023, when he was still defending Al-Hilal.
The occurrences recorded in 2025 were:
- March: edema in the posterior muscle of the left thigh
- April: injury to the semimembranosus muscle of the left thigh
- September: grade 2 injury to the rectus femoris of the right thigh
- November: meniscus injury in left knee
Current situation puts Santos in the relegation zone
The team has 40 points in 35 rounds and depends only on itself to avoid falling.
The absence of Neymar reduces coach Pedro Caixinha’s offensive options in the final rounds.
Players like Guilherme, Julio Furch and Wendel should get more minutes in the next matches.
The squad works focused on direct confrontations against opponents who also fight at the bottom of the table.
The striker’s numbers upon his return to the Vila Belmiro club
Neymar played 25 matches for Santos in 2025 and scored seven goals.
The striker returned to the club in January, after ending his contract with Al-Hilal, from Arábia Saudita. The performance was below the initial expectations of the board and fans, mainly due to the high salary investment. The current contract ends on December 31, 2025 and there is no agreement concluded for renewal.
Upcoming exams define the type of treatment needed
Additional imaging tests will be carried out later this week. The medical department assesses whether arthroscopy will be necessary or whether conservative treatment will be sufficient. The recovery period varies from four to eight weeks, depending on the procedure chosen.
Preparation for 2026 receives new obstacle
The injury compromises the player’s planning for the 2026 season, including competing in the Copa of the Mundo. The Brazilian team has just two rounds of the Eliminatórias in March before the final call-up. Coach Carlo Ancelotti keeps Neymar on the watch list, but demands a constant game pace.
Medical department prioritizes complete recovery
Professionals who have already been following the athlete since ACL surgery work alongside the Santos staff. The goal is to return to full physical condition regardless of which club the player plays for next year.