Neymar’s Santos Heroics Could Cost Him His Last World Cup

Neymar, a name synonymous with dazzling skill and, let’s be honest, a fair bit of drama, just pulled off a move that’s part legend, part madness. In a high-stakes match against Cruzeiro, the 33-year-old played the full 90 minutes with a torn meniscus. Why? To save his boyhood club, Santos, from the humiliating fate of relegation for a second consecutive year. And it worked. Santos won 3-0, securing their spot in the top flight.

Now, the bill has come due. Neymar has confirmed he needs knee surgery, a decision that throws his chances of playing in the 2026 World Cup into serious jeopardy. For a player who has often been criticized for prioritizing personal brand over team success, this was an act of pure, unadulterated passion for his club. He literally put his knee on the line, and now his international career hangs in the balance.

What Did Neymar Do For Santos?

After a less-than-stellar stint in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal, where he barely played, Neymar returned to Santos in January. The club was in dire straits, still reeling from their first-ever relegation in 2023. Fast forward to the end of the season, and Santos was again staring down the barrel of demotion.

Enter Neymar. Over the final five crucial matches, he was nothing short of a superhero. He banged in five goals and provided one assist, single-handedly dragging his team to safety. This included a sensational hat-trick against Juventude just before the final showdown with Cruzeiro. After the final whistle, an emotional Neymar collapsed on the pitch, serenaded by fans who understood the sacrifice he’d just made. “I came for this, to try to help in the best way I can,” he said. “If it weren’t for them [his support system], I wouldn’t have played these matches because of this knee problem.”

It’s the kind of story football is made of: the aging hero returning home to save the day, at great personal cost. It’s a far cry from the antics we’ve seen in Paris or Riyadh. This was about legacy, loyalty, and a love for the club that made him.

Will Neymar Play in the 2026 World Cup?

Here’s where the story gets complicated. While Neymar’s club heroics are the stuff of legend, his international future is now murkier than ever. The knee surgery will put him out of commission for a significant period, with a tight six-month window to get back to peak fitness for the World Cup.

Brazil’s new manager, Carlo Ancelotti, isn’t exactly rolling out the welcome mat. Ancelotti, known for his no-nonsense approach, has made it clear that selection will be based on merit, not reputation. “If Neymar deserves to be there, if he’s in good form, he will play at the World Cup, end of story,” Ancelotti stated. “We have to think about Brazil, which may or may not have Neymar.” Ouch.

To add another layer to this drama, Neymar is reportedly turning to a physiotherapist nicknamed ‘Dr. Miracle’ for his recovery. Yes, you read that right. Eduardo Santos is known for his unconventional methods and has helped other players make speedy comebacks. Neymar is hoping for a partial arthroscopic meniscectomy, followed by an intensive, miracle-infused rehabilitation program. It sounds like a plot from a sports movie, but for Neymar, it’s his last shot at World Cup glory.

While he sits two goals clear of the legendary Pelé as Brazil’s all-time top scorer, his recent absence from the national team under Ancelotti speaks volumes. This injury couldn’t have come at a worse time. Was saving his childhood club worth sacrificing a final chance to lift the one trophy that has eluded him his entire career? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Neymar just gave football fans a story they won’t forget anytime soon.