Neymar will undergo knee surgery after helping Santos avoid relegation, raising doubts about his chances of playing at the 2026 World Cup.

Neymar is set to undergo knee surgery after playing through the pain to help Santos avoid relegation with a 3-0 win over Cruzeiro on Sunday. The 33-year-old winger has been struggling with knee problems, but he has had a crucial impact on his team’s survival in the Brazilian top flight, scoring five goals in the last four matches.

Neymar’s contributions have been invaluable to Santos, and he’s expressed gratitude for the support he’s received. “I came for this, to try to help the best way I can. These have been tough weeks for me,” he told reporters. “I thank those who were with me to lift me up. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have played these matches because of these injuries, this knee problem.”

The Brazilian superstar needs to rest and recover from the surgery, but the timing couldn’t be worse. Neymar hasn’t featured for Brazil in two years due to a succession of injuries, and his chances of playing at the World Cup are now uncertain.

Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil’s national team head coach, has emphasized the importance of full fitness for selection. “He must regain full fitness if he is to earn a recall to the squad for the June 11 to July 19 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States,” Ancelotti said in October.

Neymar’s World Cup hopes are hanging in the balance, and the wait continues for fans eager to see him don the yellow jersey once again.