Santos President Shares Optimistic Update on Neymar's Return

A hopeful update has emerged regarding Neymar’s recovery from knee surgery, with his return to the field described as ‘coming soon’. The 33-year-old star was required to undergo surgery after managing pain towards the end of the 2025 season. He has extended his contract with Santos for another year and aims to return to the game swiftly.

Surgical Background

Neymar had surgery on December 22, targeting his left knee, and is currently focusing on recovery while Santos competes in the Campeonato Paulista. They are aiming for a top-eight position in the league, where they presently sit in ninth place, hoping to avoid relegation.

Neymar plans to contribute as soon as possible, with key matches against Sao Paulo scheduled for January 31 and February 4, leading to speculation about his potential pickup in one of these games.

Recovery Process

While Santos has not set a fixed return date for Neymar, they are optimistic about his rehabilitation progress. Club president Marcelo Teixeira commented on the situation, stating, “I’m not sure if he’ll return against Sao Paulo. There’s no set date, but I believe it’s coming soon.” He further explained that recovery activities are set to intensify in February, ensuring Neymar’s fitness for the entire season.

Future Prospects for Neymar

The experienced attacker is eager to return to action as he thinks about his Brazil national team ambitions. Neymar last played for the team in October 2023 against Uruguay, where he sustained an ACL injury. Despite his absence, the Brazilian side has positively qualified for the 2026 World Cup and is preparing for the tournament with hopes of claiming global victory in North America.

Opinions are mixed regarding Neymar’s fitness, with former players like Kleberson expressing their desire to see him excel at the upcoming tournament. “He needs to attain good fitness levels and gain more field time before he can contribute for Brazil,” he remarked. Neymar remains a crucial asset for the national squad, as no one else possesses his unique skill set on the field.