The long-anticipated return of Brazilian star Neymar Jr. to Santos FC took an unfortunate twist on Tuesday evening.
The forward was forced off with a fresh injury after just 34 minutes. This occurred in their 2-0 win over Atlético Mineiro (2.27) in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.
Neymar, 33, rejoined Santos in January after mutually terminating his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal (1.16). Expectations were high for the forward’s comeback at the club where his career began. However, his early exit was due to what appeared to be a left thigh injury. It has raised fresh concerns about his long-term fitness.
A Hero’s Homecoming on Hold
Neymar’s return to Santos (3.95) was hailed as a homecoming story over a decade in the making. The former Barcelona (1.40) and Paris Saint-Germain (3.45) star rose to fame at the Brazilian club between 2009 and 2013, netting 70 goals in 134 matches before making a then-record transfer to Europe.
Tuesday’s match was seen as an opportunity for Neymar to fully re-integrate into the squad, following months of rehabilitation and training. However, the forward was seen clutching his thigh before removing himself from play, covering his face as he left the pitch and walked straight down the tunnel at the Estádio Urbano Caldeira.
Recurring Fitness Concerns
The latest injury adds to an increasingly worrying injury record for Neymar. Most notably, he sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus damage in his left knee during Brazil’s World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay on 17 October 2023. That injury required surgery and kept him sidelined for nearly ten months.
Although Neymar had recently shown signs of recovery and was even recalled to the national team in March 2025, he pulled out of that squad as well due to a separate muscle issue. Tuesday’s substitution could signal another stint on the sidelines just as he was beginning to find his rhythm.
Match Summary
Despite Neymar’s early exit, Santos delivered a strong performance to see off Atlético Mineiro 2-0. Goals from Stiven Mendoza in the 21st minute and Marcos Leonardo in the 67th minute secured three points for the hosts.
The result places Santos third on the league table, with seven points from three matches—two wins and one draw. This marks a promising start to their domestic campaign.
Speaking after the match, Santos head coach César Sampaio said:
“We don’t have a diagnosis yet, but it’s concerning. Neymar was central to our plan tonight. We’re hoping it’s nothing serious.”
Awaiting Further Assessment
As of writing, no official statement has been released regarding the extent of Neymar’s injury. The club has confirmed that he will undergo a full medical evaluation in the coming days.
For fans of Santos and Brazilian football alike, the hope remains that the injury is minor and that Neymar’s journey back to top form can continue.
Conclusion
At 33, Neymar’s flair and influence are undeniable. However, this fitness remains the biggest question mark. As injuries begin to overshadow his performances, the coming weeks may prove critical in determining whether he can still be the talismanic figure Santos and Brazil are counting on.
