Neymar undergoes minor knee surgery as World Cup hopes hinge on fitness

Neymar has undergone minor surgery on his left knee , his club Santos said on Tuesday, as the Brazil forward looks to overcome persistent fitness issues and revive his chances of playing in the World Cup, which is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026.

The 33-year-old opted for an arthroscopic procedure to address lingering pain that has sidelined him from several matches this season. The minimally invasive surgery was performed by Rodrigo Lasmar, who is also part of Brazil’s national team medical staff, and treated problems inside the joint.

Neymar said last weekend at a music event in Sao Paulo that he remains determined to return to the World Cup stage and even score in the final. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, who was appointed in May, has so far left Neymar out of his squads, insisting that selection will depend strictly on fitness and form rather than reputation.

“We will do the impossible to bring this cup back to Brazil,” Neymar said. “In July, you can remind me of this. Hi, Ancelotti, help us out!”

Neymar’s fitness is seen as crucial for Brazil, given his status as the country’s all-time leading scorer and one of its most experienced attacking players. A fully fit Neymar would add creativity, leadership and tactical flexibility to Ancelotti’s plans, particularly in high-pressure knockout matches.

The forward has struggled to regain full rhythm since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in October 2023 during World Cup qualifying. He returned to boyhood club Santos in January but played only 19 of 38 matches in Brazil’s Serie A , which began in April. He scored eight goals , several in the final rounds , helping Santos avoid relegation.

While the surgery is expected to aid Neymar’s recovery and consistency, his World Cup prospects now depend on how quickly he returns to action and whether he can remain injury-free in the months leading up to the tournament.