Neymar Scores After Ignoring Medical Advice to Rescue Santos
Neymar has put his World Cup 2026 hopes at risk after choosing to play through injury to help his boyhood club, Santos FC, escape relegation danger.
The 33-year-old has struggled with fitness since returning to Santos earlier this year, and a meniscus injury was expected to end his season. Doctors recommended immediate arthroscopy surgery which would keep him out for several weeks, but Neymar refused, choosing instead to play in the club’s final matches.
Santos were 17th in the table and faced the threat of dropping out of the Brazilian Serie A. Despite strong medical advice to rest, the Brazilian star trained with the team and pushed himself to return.
His bravery paid off.
Neymar scored the opening goal and later provided an assist as Santos secured a 3–0 win against Sport. The victory helped the club climb to 15th place, two points above the drop zone, although their safety is not yet guaranteed as Vitoria still have a game in hand.
The former Barcelona forward, who also played for PSG and Al-Hilal, hopes to be part of Brazil’s squad at the 2026 World Cup. Continued strain on his knee could affect that dream, but he chose to prioritise Santos at a crucial moment.
Neymar, often hampered by injuries in recent years, is determined to finish his career strongly. For now, his decision has given Santos fresh hope—at the risk of his own future.
