After ending the season playing through pain for Santos, the 33-year-old forward is scheduled for a partial meniscectomy on his left knee — an arthroscopic procedure to clean and stabilize the damaged meniscus. It marks the beginning of what he hopes will be his last major comeback.
Entering the Care of Eduardo Santos — Football’s “Miracle Doctor”
Neymar will immediately begin rehabilitation under Eduardo Santos, a globally respected physiotherapist whose unconventional and fast-track methods have earned him a reputation as a "miracle worker" in elite football. At 45, Santos has overseen medical departments in China, the Netherlands, and Russia, and advised top players such as Hulk, Oscar, Philippe Coutinho, Matheus Cunha, Vanderson, Falcão García, and Axel Witsel.
His most famous success came in 2015: David Luiz, then at Paris Saint-Germain, returned from a serious muscle injury in just 10 days, despite an initial medical estimate of up to ten weeks. That history helps explain why Neymar is once again placing his trust in Santos at a moment when every week matters.
The Clock Is Ticking for Brazil’s Biggest Star
Brazil enters the 2026 World Cup with a clear path in Group C, facing Morocco, Scotland, and CONCACAF representative Haiti — an opponent the Seleção have not met in a major tournament since Copa América 2016. With a deeper 48-team format, heavy travel, and high temperatures across U.S. host cities, physical preparation is one of Ancelotti’s top priorities.
Before the tournament, Brazil will test its squad in March during two major friendlies in the United States: a rematch against Croatia, who eliminated Brazil in the 2022 quarterfinals, and a clash with France, currently one of the world’s strongest national teams. Neymar’s availability for these matches remains uncertain, but his objective is unmistakable — to reach full strength by the time Ancelotti finalizes his World Cup roster.
A Final Push Toward a Last World Cup?
This latest recovery effort feeds into a broader narrative: Neymar’s desire to compete in what may be his final World Cup. At 33, with a career marked by extraordinary talent and recurring injuries, the 2026 tournament could represent his last realistic chance to lift the trophy that has eluded him.
Under Ancelotti, Brazil has emphasized tactical structure, conditioning, and depth. A fully fit Neymar would significantly raise Brazil’s creative ceiling, especially in a group where opponents like Morocco and Haiti bring contrasting styles and physical intensity.
Whether Eduardo Santos can deliver a rapid turnaround once again remains uncertain. But for Neymar — and for a Brazil squad preparing for a demanding World Cup spread across the United States, Mexico, and Canada — the stakes could not be higher.
