Brazilian football icon Neymar has successfully undergone surgery on his left knee, a crucial step that renews his ambitions for the 2026 World Cup. The 33-year-old forward had the arthroscopic procedure to repair a damaged meniscus, with Brazil's national team doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, performing the operation.

This surgery comes after a dramatic and painful season for Neymar at his boyhood club, Santos. The star forward chose to delay the operation, playing through significant pain to help the club narrowly avoid relegation from Brazil's top flight. His sacrifice was pivotal, as he scored five goals in the last four matches of the season to secure Santos' survival.

A Career Battling Injury

The operation is the latest in a career marked by significant physical setbacks. Dr. Lasmar had previously operated on Neymar for a foot fracture and a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) suffered in October 2023. That ACL injury, sustained while on international duty, effectively ended his brief stint with Saudi club Al-Hilal, where he made just a handful of appearances after a high-profile transfer.

Despite his struggles, Neymar's importance to the national team is undisputed. He remains Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 matches, having surpassed the legendary Pelé. However, he has not played for his country in over two years, a situation both he and new coach Carlo Ancelotti are seemingly keen to change.

What Lies Ahead

With the surgery deemed a success, Neymar is expected to begin his rehabilitation process immediately. His focus now shifts to regaining full fitness for multiple challenges:

• Securing a place in Brazil's squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
• Negotiating a new contract with Santos, as his current deal expires at the end of December 2025.
• Returning to the pitch, with an expected recovery period of at least one to two months.

While his future at Santos is still under discussion, the club's president remains hopeful of striking a new deal. For football fans across Kenya and the world, the coming months will be a test of resilience for one of this generation's most talented, yet injury-prone, superstars.