Neymar's Return to Santos and World Cup Aspirations

Brazilian football star Neymar made his return to competitive action on February 16, 2026, after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on December 22, 2025. He played 50 minutes as a substitute in Santos' 6-0 victory over Velo Clube in the Campeonato Paulista, contributing an assist for Gabriel Barbosa's goal. This match marked Neymar's first appearance since suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023 during a World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay.

New York TimesNeymar, Brazil's Historic Top Scorer, Returns to Santos and Dreams of 2026 World CupNeymar raises hopes of World Cup involvement following impressive return from injury | OneFootballESPNNeymar returns for Santos, endures scare, less than four months before World Cup | OneFootballVojvoda hails Neymar’s Santos return but keeps quiet on starting role | OneFootball

Neymar, who is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has faced a challenging period marked by injuries since rejoining Santos in January 2025 after leaving Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. Prior to his surgery, he had been instrumental in helping Santos avoid relegation from Brazil's Serie A, scoring five goals and providing one assist in four matches. His return to the pitch comes with less than four months remaining until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Neymar, Brazil's Historic Top Scorer, Returns to Santos and Dreams of 2026 World Cup

Santos head coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda expressed optimism regarding Neymar's return, stating, "I think everyone needs Neymar. Santos, the national team… Ancelotti will be happy if he’s doing well." Brazil's national team coach Carlo Ancelotti has previously indicated he would have "no problem" selecting Neymar for the World Cup if he is fit. Vojvoda emphasized Neymar's ambition and competitive spirit, noting, "He still has that ambition... he wants to be there and he wants to win."

ESPNNeymar raises hopes of World Cup involvement following impressive return from injury | OneFootballNew York TimesNeymar, Brazil's Historic Top Scorer, Returns to Santos and Dreams of 2026 World CupVojvoda hails Neymar’s Santos return but keeps quiet on starting role | OneFootballNeymar returns for Santos, endures scare, less than four months before World Cup | OneFootball

Despite the positive outlook, some critics have raised concerns about Neymar's fitness and ability to withstand the rigors of high-level competition after a series of injuries. The cautious approach taken by Santos' coaching staff reflects a desire to maximize his performance while ensuring he is adequately prepared for the World Cup.

ESPN

Looking ahead, Brazil's national team is scheduled to play friendly matches against France and Croatia in March as part of their World Cup preparations. Neymar's performance in these upcoming games will be crucial for his potential inclusion in the World Cup squad. Brazil's first match in the tournament will be against Morocco on June 13, followed by matches against Haiti and Scotland.

Neymar, Brazil's Historic Top Scorer, Returns to Santos and Dreams of 2026 World Cup

• “He still has that ambition. I see it in every little game, in every small-sided game in training, he wants to be there and he wants to win. That's what motivates him.” — Juan Pablo Vojvoda, Santos Head Coach

ESPN

Neymar's return to Santos not only reignites hopes for his club but also for his aspirations to represent Brazil in what could be his final World Cup.

Neymar raises hopes of World Cup involvement following impressive return from injury | OneFootballESPNNeymar, Brazil's Historic Top Scorer, Returns to Santos and Dreams of 2026 World CupNew York TimesVojvoda hails Neymar’s Santos return but keeps quiet on starting role | OneFootballNeymar returns for Santos, endures scare, less than four months before World Cup | OneFootball