Neymar’s return to Santos was meant to be a footballing rebirth. A sentimental, emotional and sporting comeback to rebuild his career ahead of the 2026 World Cup. But reality keeps hitting him again and again. The Brazilian star was ruled out once more due to physical discomfort right before the match against Internacional, reviving a nightmare that has become all too familiar.

At 33, the forward is only just beginning to regain rhythm after a long list of injuries that followed him from the end of his European career into his adventure in Saudi Arabia. His second spell at Santos has been no different: seven goals and three assists in 25 matches, but interrupted by multiple spells on the sidelines.

Vojvoda urges patience: “We need him, but I will respect his timing”

After the 1-1 draw with Internacional, coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda was straightforward. The Argentine explained that Neymar had been dealing with knee discomfort since before the match against Mirassol and that the pain worsened during the week.

“The plan is for him to be available for the match against Sport. But first I have to talk to him. I respect his decisions and his body. He always wants to play, but this time he felt he couldn’t meet the demands of the match,” Vojvoda said.

The calendar doesn’t help either. Santos plays every three days, with travel and very little time for recovery. Even so, the coach made it clear that Neymar remains the leader of the team and that they need him for the final three fixtures as the club fights to avoid relegation.

His future uncertain; his World Cup hopes in doubt

Adding to the tension is a critical factor: Neymar’s contract expires at the end of the year, and there have been no formal negotiations yet for a renewal. Club president Marcelo Teixeira stated that there is willingness to extend the deal, but everything depends on the player’s feelings and, above all, his physical condition. “His project is the World Cup. If there is agreement, he will renew,” he said.

From the national team, Carlo Ancelotti maintains a cautious yet optimistic stance: “He’s on the long list. He has six months to show performance. He needs continuity, minutes and physical condition. In modern football, talent alone isn’t enough.”

While Cruzeiro, Flamengo and Vitória continue climbing the Brazilian league table, Neymar’s Santos lives in permanent tension. One more defeat could sink the Peixe, and every physical setback from their number 10 is a direct hit to the team’s morale.

The question becomes inevitable once again: Will Neymar make it to the World Cup? Today, the answer lies more in his knee than in his talent. And that’s the real fear echoing through Vila Belmiro.