Neymar has put his World Cup 2026 hopes in danger after selecting to play by damage to assist his boyhood membership, Santos FC, escape relegation hazard.
The 33-year-old has struggled with health since returning to Santos earlier this 12 months, and a meniscus damage was anticipated to finish his season. Medical doctors really useful instant arthroscopy surgical procedure which might hold him out for a number of weeks, however Neymar refused, selecting as a substitute to play within the membership’s closing matches.
Santos have been seventeenth within the desk and confronted the specter of dropping out of the Brazilian Serie A. Regardless of sturdy medical recommendation to relaxation, the Brazilian star educated with the group and pushed himself to return.
His bravery paid off.
Neymar scored the opening aim and later offered an help as Santos secured a 3–0 win in opposition to Sport. The victory helped the membership climb to fifteenth place, two factors above the drop zone, though their security is just not but assured as Vitoria nonetheless have a recreation in hand.
The previous Barcelona ahead, who additionally performed for PSG and Al-Hilal, hopes to be a part of Brazil’s squad on the 2026 World Cup. Continued pressure on his knee might have an effect on that dream, however he selected to prioritise Santos at a vital second.
Neymar, typically hampered by accidents in recent times, is set to complete his profession strongly. For now, his determination has given Santos contemporary hope—on the threat of his personal future.


