Brazil’s football star Neymar experienced another unfortunate injury during his commemorative 100th appearance at Vila Belmiro stadium, cutting short his first starting role since returning to the Brazilian Championship. Just 34 minutes into Santos’ match against Atlético-MG on Wednesday, which his team went on to win 2-0, Neymar was forced to leave the field.
The occasion was meant to be celebratory, with the 33-year-old forward donning a special number 100 jersey to mark his milestone. However, despite beginning the match with protective strapping on both legs, Neymar soon displayed signs of distress in his left thigh—the same area that had previously kept him sidelined for six weeks following an injury during a Campeonato Paulista match.
His return to action had been gradual, having only made a substitute appearance against Fluminense the previous Sunday. The latest setback occurred shortly after Santos scored their second goal, when Neymar signaled to the bench requesting to be substituted. Unable to continue, he collapsed on the field and needed assistance to leave the pitch.
The emotional moment saw teammates and opponents, including his former Brazil colleague Hulk, offering consolation as he departed. Medical staff immediately began treatment on the bench, applying an ice pack to the troubled area.
Santos interim head coach César Sampaio addressed reporters with caution: “We cannot provide a diagnosis yet, as it’s too early. We’ll know more tomorrow. His absence represents a significant loss for us, and we’re hoping it won’t keep him out of action for an extended period.”
This injury continues a difficult period for Neymar, who had already missed Brazil’s recent World Cup qualifying matches against Colombia and Argentina due to issues with the same thigh. The national team has been without their talisman since October 2023, when he suffered a severe left knee injury, tearing both his ACL and meniscus.
After regaining fitness and joining his childhood club Santos during the January transfer window, Neymar had earned a recall to Brazil’s squad for March qualifiers, but this latest incident raises new concerns about his ongoing recovery journey.
