Brazilian superstar Neymar will be out for four to six weeks to recover from the latest injury he suffered while playing for Santos against Atletico Mineiro on Thursday, according to multiple reports.
The 33-year-old sustained a serious knee injury in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023 and has struggled to return to full fitness, though his recent form at Santos was rewarded with a call-up to the Brazil squad in March.
It was Neymar’s first start since a left thigh issue ruled him out of Brazil’s March fixtures and Santos’ Paulista semi-final defeat to Corinthians.
Neymar has 128 caps and a record 79 goals for his country, surpassing Pele's tally of 77.
Neymar admitted he was taken aback by the request from someone widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
After a gap of 502 days, Brazilian superstar Neymar finally found the back of the net when he converted from the spot for Santos in their 3-1 win over Agua Santa in the Sao Paulo State Championship today.
Brazilian superstar Neymar recently moved back to his boyhood club Santos after an underwhelming stint with Saudi Pro League Club Al Hilal.
The Urbano Caldeira stadium erupted in celebration as jubilant and tearful fans lit up their mobile phones to give the striker, who left the club 12 years ago, a hero's welcome before kick-off.
Neymar has been one of the finest players in the world when at the top of his game, a forward with dazzling skill who "understands football as art", as his former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique once said.
The 32-year-old former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward played just seven times for Al Hilal despite a reported salary of around $104 million a year.
Santos' president told Brazilian superstar Neymar it was "time to return to (his) people" in a video published on social media on Tuesday.
"The club expresses its thanks and appreciation to Neymar for what he has provided throughout his career with Al-Hilal, and wish the player success in his career," said a club statement posted on social media.
Brazilian superstar Neymar is reportedly ready to accept a huge pay cut to facilitate a return to his boyhood club Santos and the booter is likely to complete the move soon.
The 32-year-old former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward has had an injury-plagued stay in Saudi Arabia, playing just seven times despite a reported salary of around $104 million a year.
Speaking on a podcast hosted by former Brazil striker Romario, Neymar blamed a clash of egos for the failure of the three stars to gel during their spell together at the French club.
Rumours linking Neymar with a move to Miami to recreate the old 'MSN' Barcelona front line with Messi and Luis Suarez have resurfaced in recent days.
The Brazilian does not rule out reuniting with former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami.
Neymar was out for more than a year until last month following right knee surgery.
The Brazilian superstar lasted just 26 minutes as a second-half substitute before limping off with an apparent right hamstring strain in Monday's 3-0 AFC Champions League Elite win over Esteghlal.
