Brazilian football fans have been dealt another blow as Neymar’s long recovery continues. The lingering injury will keep him out for at least three more weeks, deepening uncertainty over his future with Santos — and perhaps over his entire career trajectory.
Neymar still not ready to return
According to TNT Sports, Neymar needs at least three more weeks of rehabilitation before he can play again for Santos, the club he rejoined after leaving Al Hilal. The Brazilian superstar has been sidelined for over 40 days and has featured in just 46% of Santos’ league matches this season.
This isn’t just a personal setback for Neymar — it’s a major blow to Santos’ hopes of staying in Brazil’s top flight. Without their 33-year-old talisman, the team’s attack has lacked creativity, cohesion, and firepower.
Currently, Santos are only just outside the relegation zone, edging Vitória on goal difference. Many fans still hope Neymar’s return will be the spark to turn their season around, but that moment seems far away.
Lingering injury raises questions about his fitness
Ever since suffering a severe ACL injury during his time at Al Hilal, Neymar has struggled to regain full fitness. Despite months of treatment, he continues to experience flare-ups and setbacks.
Brazilian sports medicine experts believe that playing high-intensity football past age 30 — combined with Neymar’s aggressive, contact-heavy style — has slowed his recovery significantly.
This has led many fans and pundits to question whether Neymar can ever return to his peak form. Some doubt he’ll ever replicate the brilliance he showed at Barcelona or PSG.
Santos faces a contract dilemma
Neymar’s current deal with Santos expires in December 2025, and his future remains a hot topic in Brazilian media.
According to ESPN, club executives maintain a good relationship with the player but are waiting for an internal review before deciding whether to extend his contract.
For his part, Neymar still expresses deep affection for Santos, the club where he began his career — yet he remains ambitious and eager to test himself in Europe once more.
The European dream isn’t over
Sport reports that Neymar still hopes to find a European club during the January 2026 transfer window. He’s aiming to prove himself at a top-level team and earn a recall to the Brazilian national squad ahead of upcoming tournaments.
However, no major European sides have shown serious interest so far, with most concerned about his injury history and fitness reliability.
Analysts believe that if Neymar truly wants a European comeback, he may need to accept a pay cut or a short-term deal with performance-based clauses.
Inter Miami: the last realistic option?
With Europe’s doors closing, Inter Miami has emerged as Neymar’s most viable destination. Lionel Messi’s MLS club has long been rumored to want a reunion with his former Barcelona teammate.
The MLS could offer Neymar a less demanding schedule and the commercial spotlight he thrives in — but moving to the U.S. might also mean giving up any realistic chance of playing for Brazil at Copa America or the 2026 World Cup.
A fading icon
Once heralded as the heir to Messi and Ronaldo, Neymar now finds himself battling his own body. From PSG to Al Hilal, and now Santos, repeated injuries have derailed what could have been one of the greatest careers of his generation.
On social media, Brazilian fans express both sadness and frustration. One viral comment read:
“We don’t need the commercial Neymar — we need the 2015 Neymar, the one who could do anything with the ball.”
What remains after the glory?
At 33, Neymar still commands global attention, but his reliability and form are shadows of what they once were. With Santos struggling and his contract nearing its end, the Brazilian star faces one of the toughest crossroads of his career.
Still, writing Neymar off entirely would be premature. His talent, charisma, and fighting spirit remain undeniable. Once again, he must prove that his passion burns brighter than his pain — even if the light no longer shines as brilliantly as before.