Neymar's World Cup hopes in doubt over knee surgery

Neymar is set to have knee surgery after playing in pain to help boyhood club Santos avoid relegation from Brazil's Serie A, raising doubts around the winger's chances of playing at the 2026 World Cup.

The 33-year-old played the full 90 minutes as Santos claimed a 3-0 win over Cruzeiro on Sunday to avoid an immediate return to the second tier after promotion last season.

Neymar returned to Brazil's top-flight in January after making just seven appearances over 18 months for Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, playing a crucial role in Santos' survival by scoring five goals in their last four matches of the season.

"I came for this, to try to help in the best way I can," Neymar told reporters after the game. "These have been tough weeks for me.

"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 this knee problem."

Injuries have limited Brazil's all-time top scorer, who has netted 79 goals in 128 appearances, from featuring for the national side since a defeat to Uruguay in October 2023.

Neymar did not give details on the surgery or a timeline on his expected recovery, adding: "I need to rest and then I will have this knee surgery."

In October, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti said the forward must regain full fitness and be in form to be recalled to his squad for next summer's World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.