The excitement surrounding Neymar’s return to Brazil’s top flight was immense, and the forward initially lived up to the hype with strong performances in his first appearances for Santos. However, in recent weeks, physical issues have once again become a major concern, and on Wednesday night, he was forced off the pitch early once more.
The 2025 Brazilian league is currently in its fourth matchday, and Ney had missed the first two games. He hadn’t played since March 2, when a muscle injury sidelined him for the Campeonato Paulista semifinals against Corinthians, a match Santos lost 2-1. That same injury also prevented him from returning to the Brazil national team for the South American World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.
This past Sunday, Ney played limited minutes against Fluminense, and anticipation was high once again on Wednesday as coach Cesar Sampaio named him in the starting lineup to face Atletico Mineiro in Matchday 4 of the Brazilian league. Things had started well for Santos, with Ze Ivaldo scoring the opener in the 24th minute and Alvaro Barreal doubling the lead moments later. But the good news was quickly overshadowed.
In the 34th minute, Neymar had to be replaced by Benjamin Rollheiser due to muscle discomfort. The 33-year-old superstar left the field in tears, clearly frustrated by yet another injury setback. Images from the official broadcast showed Neymar Jr. on the field holding the back of his left leg with visible signs of pain and concern, while covering his face in frustration.
Santos’ official X account posted: “The number 10 came off with pain in his left thigh and was cheered on by the fans at Vila Belmiro. Strength to our Prince!”
Neymar’s performances this season with Santos have been limited due to his physical issues. In the Campeonato Paulista, the forward made his debut on February 5 and went on to play seven straight matches, steadily increasing his minutes. During that stretch, he scored three goals and provided two assists, helping his team reach the semifinals. However, just before the matchup against Corinthians, Ney suffered a posterior muscle injury in his left thigh that kept him off the pitch. It was a major blow for Santos, who lost 2-1 and were eliminated from the tournament.
More than a month passed before the 33-year-old superstar was fit to return. After missing the first two matches of the Brazilian league, Ney played 45 minutes in last Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Fluminense. Then, on Wednesday, he lasted just 34 minutes before being forced off again with pain in the same area where he suffered his previous injury.
Neymar's injury woes continued on Wednesday, as the Santos star exited a match against Atlético Mineiro with an apparent muscle issue. The 33-year-old started the Série A match but lasted just 30 minutes before he began to grab his left hamstring. Neymar was in tears as he received treatment on the pitch, eventually moving onto a cart and being driven off the field at Urbano Caldeira Stadium. He was replaced in the 34th minute with Santos leading 2-0.
After making a successful return to his boyhood club, Neymar was called up to Brazil's national team in March. It was his first call-up since October 2023, when he tore his ACL and meniscus while playing for the Seleção. But a left thigh injury ruled the veteran striker out for international duty, as well as Santos' Campeonato Paulista semifinal loss to Corinthians. Neymar was making his first start since returning from the injury on Wednesday.
There will now be questions over whether the superstar was brought back too soon. Neymar officially returned to Santos in January, signing as a free agent after terminating his contract with Al Hilal. After the Saudi side paid a reported €90 million transfer fee for Neymar, his time with the club was blighted by injury. Between his knee injury and muscular issues, the striker made just seven appearances over 18 months.
Neymar's highly anticipated first start back in the Brazilian Championship proved short-lived, as the Brazilian star was forced to leave Santos' match with Atlético-MG on Wednesday after just 34 minutes due to a left thigh injury. Wearing a special number 100 jersey to commemorate his 100th appearance at Vila Belmiro, Neymar began the match with both legs visibly strapped.
It was not long before he began to display signs of discomfort in his left thigh, the same area where he had suffered an injury in a Campeonato Paulista match that sidelined him for six weeks. The 33-year-old had only returned from injury as a substitute against Fluminense on Sunday. Shortly after Santos extended their lead with a second goal, the forward gestured towards the bench, requesting a substitution. He then sunk down on the field and required assistance as he exited the pitch.
An obviously emotional Neymar was consoled by teammates and opposition players, including former Brazil teammate Hulk. Once on the bench, he immediately began receiving treatment, with an ice pack applied to his injured thigh. Neymar's left-thigh injury had led him to miss out on Brazil's World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina last month.
Brazil have been without their star since October 2023, when he tore the ACL and meniscus in his left knee. He had been named in Brazil's squad for the March qualifiers after returning to fitness following a move to boyhood club Santos in the January transfer window. As the season unfolds, the uncertainty surrounding Neymar’s fitness continues to loom large over Santos and the Brazilian national team.
