Overview
- ESPN reports Santos and Neymar have an understanding on a six-month renewal that would keep him at the club through the 2026 World Cup, though no formal announcement has been made.
- Globo Esporte and ESPN say he will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to treat meniscus fraying, with recovery expected to take about one month.
- The projected timeline suggests he will miss the start of preseason on January 2 and could be unavailable for Santos’ early January fixtures.
- Neymar finished the campaign with a late scoring surge, including four goals in his last three league matches, lifting Santos clear of relegation and into the Copa Sudamericana.
- Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has said World Cup selection will be decided in May based on form and fitness, requiring Neymar to demonstrate full readiness in early 2026.