Neymar Jr. continues to pursue a spot with Brazil for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, shining with Santos after his meniscus surgery. However, the veteran has gone a step further, as he has reportedly undergone another procedure, aiming to convince head coach Carlo Ancelotti of his return to the national team.

According to sources, Neymar decided to undergo a regenerative procedure on his knee, seeking to prove his full physical condition ahead of the tournament. Using his own blood, this procedure is designed to accelerate the healing of micro-injuries and strengthen joint tissues. The approach reflects a growing trend among elite athletes who turn to autologous biological therapies to extend their careers and regain peak performance after serious injuries.

The context of Neymar's injury struggles

Neymar's career has been punctuated by a series of significant injuries, particularly since his move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. The most severe came in October 2023 during Brazil's World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee. This injury required complex surgery and sidelined him for over 12 months, raising doubts about his ability to return to elite level. The procedure he reportedly underwent now is separate from that surgery and focuses on regenerative therapy rather than structural repair.

The 34-year-old's injury history includes foot fractures, adductor problems, and multiple muscle strains, which have limited his appearances for club and country. At PSG, he missed roughly 40% of matches due to various fitness issues, prompting criticism about his durability. However, since returning to Santos, his boyhood club where he started his professional career, Neymar has shown flashes of his old brilliance, contributing directly to goals and dictating play.

Neymar's adaptation at Santos

After leaving Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal earlier this year, where he had a brief and injury-plagued stint, Neymar rejoined Santos in January 2025. The move was seen as a gamble for both parties: Santos, a club struggling to return to top-flight prominence, and Neymar, seeking a familiar environment to rebuild his career. The early returns have been encouraging. In six appearances for Santos, Neymar has recorded three goals and three assists, while also creating numerous chances for teammates.

What stands out is his tactical evolution. No longer able to rely on explosive acceleration and dribbling past defenders at will, Neymar has shifted into a deeper playmaking role, often operating as a creative midfielder. He drops between lines, uses his exceptional vision to pick passes, and retains the ability to score from set pieces or well-timed runs. This adaptation mirrors the transition made by other aging superstars, such as Lionel Messi moving into midfield or Cristiano Ronaldo becoming a poacher.

Santos manager Pedro Caixinha has been flexible with Neymar's playing time, managing his minutes carefully to avoid overload. This strategy has allowed Neymar to stay fresh for crucial moments while gradually building match fitness. The plan seems to be working, as his performances have improved each game.

Ancelotti's stance and Brazil's attacking options

Despite Neymar's resurgence, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has not yet called him up for international duty. The Italian manager took over the Seleção in 2024, appointed after the end of his tenure with Real Madrid. Ancelotti has emphasized the need for players who can deliver immediate results, and he is reportedly exploring younger alternatives such as Endrick (now at Real Madrid), Igor Thiago (Brentford), and Lucas Paquetá (West Ham United).

Ancelotti's caution may stem from Neymar's injury history and the risk of relying on a player who has not played high-level competitive football consistently for over two years. Moreover, the coach is integrating a new generation of talent: Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Raphinha have formed a formidable attacking trio, while João Pedro has impressed as a central striker. However, what Brazil lacks is a true number 10—a orchestrator who can control the tempo and unlock stubborn defenses. Neymar, even at 70% capacity, offers that quality more than any other Brazilian player currently available.

The regenerative procedure Neymar has undergone is intended to address any lingering micro-injuries and improve joint stability, potentially giving Ancelotti confidence that the veteran can withstand the demands of a World Cup campaign. Some medical experts suggest that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapies, when combined with controlled training loads, can significantly reduce pain and inflammation, though results vary among individuals.

Historical precedent and World Cup hopes

Neymar's determination to play in a fourth World Cup echoes his childhood ambition. He debuted in the World Cup in 2014 as the host nation's star, only to suffer a devastating back injury in the quarter-final against Colombia, knocking Brazil out in the semi-finals. In 2018, he carried Brazil to the quarter-finals before a loss to Belgium. The 2022 tournament in Qatar ended in another quarter-final exit against Croatia. Now 34, the 2026 edition likely represents his last realistic chance to win the tournament.

Brazil's 2026 campaign carries extra weight given recent underperformance. The Seleção have not won the World Cup since 2002, and their 2022 exit was marked by a perceived lack of creative inspiration. Neymar's presence could provide the creativity and unpredictability that modern tournaments demand. Even if he is no longer the explosive winger of his prime, his ability to draw defenders, execute dribbles in tight spaces, and deliver key passes remains world-class.

Moreover, Neymar's leadership within the squad is often cited as a positive factor. He is close with many of the younger players, including Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, who look up to him. His experience in big matches, including Champions League triumphs with Barcelona and countless derbies, could be invaluable in high-pressure knockout games.

Opposing views and risks

Critics argue that Neymar's selection could disrupt team chemistry. Ancelotti has built a system based on collective defensive work and quick transitions, which may not accommodate a player who prefers to hold the ball and dictate the pace. Additionally, there is the risk of injury during the tournament—if Neymar goes down again, Brazil might be left without a replacement who can fill the same role.

Some Brazilian football analysts have pointed to the emergence of other playmakers, such as Andreas Pereira (Fulham) or even the converted winger Savinho (Manchester City), as more reliable options. However, none possess Neymar's level of individual brilliance or big-game pedigree.

In the coming months, Neymar will need to maintain his form for Santos and perhaps participate in the Copa América 2025 to prove his fitness. The selection for World Cup qualifiers later this year will be a key indicator of Ancelotti's thinking. If Neymar continues to perform and his knee responds well to the regenerative treatment, the coach may find it impossible to leave him behind.

The reported procedure is just one step in a long journey. Neymar has repeatedly stated his ambition to play in the 2026 World Cup and retire on his own terms. Whether that story ends in glory or disappointment remains to be seen, but the veteran's efforts to regain full health show his enduring passion for the national shirt.

Source: MSN News