Neymar Nears Santos Return After Knee Surgery Progress
Neymar is edging closer to a long awaited return to competitive action after Santos delivered an encouraging update on his recovery from knee surgery, with club officials indicating that his comeback is approaching.
The Brazil forward, now 33, underwent surgery on his left knee in December after playing through pain toward the end of the 2025 campaign. He has since committed his future to Santos with a one year contract extension and is targeting a carefully managed return as the new season gathers momentum.
Santos are currently navigating the Campeonato Paulista, where they sit ninth on six points after four matches. Only the top eight advance, while the bottom two face relegation, making Neymar’s availability a significant factor as pressure builds early in the state championship.
His potential return could coincide with back to back fixtures against Sao Paulo on January 31 and February 4. While the club has avoided setting a firm date, there is growing belief internally that one of those meetings could come into focus if his progress continues.
Neymar underwent arthroscopic surgery on December 22, a procedure that Santos confirmed was successful. He was granted time to recover over the festive period before resuming individual rehabilitation work at the Rei Pele Training Centre under close medical supervision.
Club president Marcelo Teixeira acknowledged the optimism while stressing caution, noting that the focus is on returning Neymar at the right moment rather than rushing him back. The club expects the final phase of recovery to intensify in February, with the aim of having him available for the bulk of the season.
Santos have managed one win, two draws, and one defeat without their talisman at the start of 2026. While performances have been steady, his influence in the final third has been sorely missed during key moments.
Beyond domestic ambitions, Neymar’s return carries wider implications. He has not played for Brazil since October 2023, when he suffered ACL damage against Uruguay, and he has yet to feature under new national team coach Carlo Ancelotti.
With Brazil already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia in late March and early April could offer a pathway back into the squad, provided Neymar regains match sharpness at club level.
For Santos, the immediate priority is stabilising their Paulista campaign. For Neymar, the objective is clear. A measured return, sustained fitness, and a chance to remind both club and country why his presence still matters at the highest level.