Neymar Jr. is leaving no stone unturned in his desperate bid to participate in what will almost certainly be his final World Cup. In a surprising turn of events, the Brazilian superstar recently opted to undergo another knee procedure to maximize his chances of returning to peak physical condition.
The news was confirmed by Santos head coach Cuca during a press conference ahead of the club’s Copa Sudamericana opener against Deportivo Cuenca. Cuca revealed that the 34-year-old forward used the recent international window to address lingering issues with his knee.
“Neymar underwent knee surgery during the FIFA international break,” Cuca explained to reporters. “He hasn’t trained. He spent a few days recovering from the operation.”
A Specialized Regenerative Procedure
Neymar previously underwent a major knee surgery following the conclusion of the last Brazilian league season, strictly following the advice of medical professionals. However, recent reports from Marca indicate that this latest procedure was a targeted regenerative treatment rather than a massive reconstruction.
According to the Spanish outlet, Neymar returned to the operating room for a specialized platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment. The primary goal of this procedure is to accelerate healing and strengthen the tissue surrounding a joint that has endured significant trauma over the past few years.
Racing Against the Clock for the 2026 World Cup
The timing of the treatment is highly strategic. Having missed out on the latest Brazil squad, Neymar utilized the international break to undergo the procedure without missing crucial club fixtures. He is now undertaking a specialized, rigorous recovery program designed to prime his body for the intense final months leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ultimately, Neymar has one singular objective: to convince Brazil national team manager Carlo Ancelotti that he is physically and mentally ready to be included in the final 26-man roster heading to the United States, Mexico, and Canada this summer.
While the sudden procedure has temporarily sidelined him from domestic duties with Santos, fans across the globe will be closely monitoring his recovery, hoping to see the iconic number 10 grace the world’s biggest stage one last time.
