### Neymar's Knee Surgery: Aiming for Recovery Ahead of the 2026 World Cup Neymar Jr., the Brazilian soccer star, has recently undergone successful surgery on his left knee to repair a damaged meniscus, as confirmed by his club, Santos. This procedure comes after a series of injuries that have kept him off the field since 2023. At 33 years old, Neymar is determined to regain his fitness and secure a spot on Brazil's national team for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, making a bold promise to fans about his return to form [https://e.vnexpress.net/news/sports/football/neymar-undergoes-surgery-for-meniscus-injury-4997315.html][https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/neymar-undergoes-successful-knee-surgery-113800410.html]. ### Breakdown of Neymar's Situation and Future Aspirations 1. **Surgery Details**: Neymar underwent minor arthroscopic surgery on December 22, 2025, to address ongoing knee issues that have plagued him throughout the year [https://www.newsday.com/sports/soccer/neymar-surgery-knee-brazil-p54630][https://www.dailysabah.com/sports/football/neymar-undergoes-successful-knee-surgery-with-eyes-on-world-cup]. 2. **Injury History**: The surgery follows a challenging period for Neymar, who has not played for Brazil since 2023 due to multiple injuries [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/neymar-undergoes-successful-knee-surgery-113800410.html]. 3. **World Cup Ambitions**: Neymar has expressed a strong desire to recover in time for the 2026 World Cup, emphasizing his commitment to the national team and his fans [https://khelnow.com/football/world-football-neymar-undergoes-knee-surgery-202512][https://www.si.com/soccer/neymar-undergoes-surgery-makes-massive-world-cup-promise]. 4. **Club Support**: Santos has provided updates on Neymar's recovery process, indicating that the club is optimistic about his return to the pitch [https://worldsoccertalk.com/amp/news/santos-provide-injury-update-on-neymar-after-knee-surgery-when-will-the-brazil-star-return]. ### Evidence of Neymar's Commitment and Recovery - **Surgery Outcome**: The operation was deemed successful, allowing Neymar to begin his rehabilitation process immediately [https://britishbulletin.com/neymar-brazil-and-santos-forward-has-successful-knee-surgery]. - **Public Statements**: Neymar has publicly stated his intention to return to peak performance, highlighting his dedication to both his club and country [https://swedenherald.com/article/neymar-has-undergone-surgery-for-knee-injury]. - **Timeline for Recovery**: While specific timelines for his return have not been disclosed, the club's updates suggest a positive outlook for his rehabilitation [https://worldsoccertalk.com/amp/news/santos-provide-injury-update-on-neymar-after-knee-surgery-when-will-the-brazil-star-return]. ### Conclusion: Neymar's Path Forward In summary, **Neymar's recent knee surgery marks a critical step in his journey to recovery and his aspirations for the 2026 World Cup**. 1. **Successful Surgery**: Neymar has successfully undergone surgery to repair his left knee, addressing long-standing issues [https://e.vnexpress.net/news/sports/football/neymar-undergoes-surgery-for-meniscus-injury-4997315.html]. 2. **Commitment to Recovery**: He is focused on regaining fitness and proving his worth for the national team [https://khelnow.com/football/world-football-neymar-undergoes-knee-surgery-202512]. 3. **Support from Santos**: The club is optimistic about his recovery and has committed to supporting him through this process [https://worldsoccertalk.com/amp/news/santos-provide-injury-update-on-neymar-after-knee-surgery-when-will-the-brazil-star-return]. 4. **Future Goals**: Neymar's determination to return for the World Cup reflects his passion for the sport and his dedication to his fans [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/neymar-undergoes-successful-knee-surgery-113800410.html]. As Neymar embarks on this recovery journey, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can reclaim his place on the field in time for the prestigious tournament.