Neymar Jr. goes through a decisive week in his career at Santos. The attacker undergoes arthroscopy on his left knee this Monday, December 22, at a hospital in Belo Horizonte. The procedure corrects meniscus tears and is estimated to take about a month to recover. The Santos board is waiting for the post-operative period to move forward with negotiations to renew the contract, which ends on December 31st.
The medical intervention allows the player to start 2026 in better conditions. Neymar played with pain in the final stretch of Brasileirão 2025, contributing to the team’s stay in Série A and a place in Sul-Americana.
The club sees the continuity of number 10 as essential for the sporting project. The renewal should extend until June 2026, in line with Copa of Mundo.
Medical procedure in detail
Neymar arrived at Belo Horizonte on Sunday, December 21, and has already been admitted for surgery. The procedure will be conducted by doctor Rodrigo Lasmar, who works at Seleção Brasileira.
Arthroscopy is minimally invasive and aims to eliminate accumulated discomfort. Neymar wore extra knee protection during the final games of the championship.
- Expected recovery: up to four weeks.
- Return to training: possible in January 2026.
- Initial impact: absence in the pre-season and debut of Paulistão.
These precautions are part of planning for high performance next year.
Negotiations to stay at the club
The Santos board remains optimistic about the renewal. Conversas involves a six-month extension, focusing on preparation for Mundial.
Neymar returned to Santos in January 2025 and has renewed every six months since then. The model offers flexibility to the parties.
The player played 28 games this season, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists. Sua presence increased commercial engagement and performance at key moments.
Public statements about selection
Neymar publicly expressed his desire to compete in Copa of Mundo in 2026. Durante musical event in São Paulo, the previous Saturday, he promised maximum effort for the sixth championship.
The attacker sent a message to coach Carlo Ancelotti, asking for support to return to Seleção. Neymar has not been called up since the arrival of the Italian coach.
Ancelotti conditions calls to full physical condition. Surgery and recovery aim to meet this requirement.
The next Data Fifa takes place in March 2026. Ela represents the final opportunity before being called up for the tournament.
Recent performance at Santos
Neymar stood out in the final stretch of the Brasileirão. Nos last four games, scored five goals and provided one assist.
This phase directly contributed to victories that avoided relegation. Santos ended the championship in a comfortable position.
- Decisive goals against direct opponents.
- Assists in high pressure matches.
- Technical leadership in the young squad.
Such numbers reinforce arguments for continuity at the club.
Preparation for the 2026 season
Santos starts work in January. Neymar must join a group in an advanced stage of recovery.
The calendar includes Paulistão, Brasileirão, Copa, Brasil and Sul-Americana. Essas competitions provide the pace needed for peak form.
The board plans adjustments to the squad. The permanence of Neymar facilitates the attraction of reinforcements.
Context of physical recovery
Neymar faced injuries throughout 2025. Apesar In addition, he maintained relevant contributions on the field.
The current procedure treats the problem in the same knee that was previously operated on. Especialistas consider simple intervention.
Monitoring involves professionals from Seleção. Relatórios follow post-surgical evolution.
This stage closes the 2025 cycle and opens up prospects for a competitive year.
Perspectives for the world cup
The Copa of the Mundo of 2026 occurs in the Estados Unidos, Canadá and México. Neymar prioritizes participation in the tournament.
The player turns 34 in February. Ele sees Mundial as the main goal of his recent career.
Environment at Santos offers family stability and adaptation. Fatores influence renewal decisions.
