Brazilian forward Neymar has undergone successful knee surgery, his club Santos confirmed, as the 33-year-old works towards regaining full fitness ahead of next year’s FIFA World Cup.
Santos said the winger had an arthroscopic procedure to treat a medial meniscus injury, with the operation carried out by Brazil national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar.
Read More: Santos forward Neymar leaves the pitch in tears due to thigh injury
“An arthroscopy was performed to treat a medial meniscus injury. The surgery was a success, and the athlete is doing well,” the club said in a statement.
Neymar returned to his boyhood club Santos earlier this year and played a crucial role in keeping them in Brazil’s top division. Despite struggling with pain, he scored five goals in his final four league matches, underlining his importance to the side.
Neymar’s surgery this morning was successful 👏🏽
The player has begun rehabilitation.
He will be ready to return to action early in the season next year if he remains at Santos. pic.twitter.com/FXpubMiv4V
— Brasil Football 🇧🇷 (@BrasilEdition) December 22, 2025
The club did not give a precise timeline for his return, but Brazilian media outlet Globo Esporte reported that the recovery period could take up to one month.
Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals, Neymar has not represented the national team since 2023 due to a series of injuries that have disrupted the latter stages of his career.
Read More: Neymar leaves Al-Hilal by mutual agreement
In October, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti said Neymar would only be considered for selection if he could prove full fitness ahead of the World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19 in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Brazil have been drawn in Group C, where they will face Scotland, Morocco and Haiti.