Neymar Battles Injuries to Revive Brazil Career Before 2026 World Cup

Neymar, 33, has missed two years of international football due to a torn ACL suffered in October 2023. With 33 injuries over the past decade, he’s lost 1,417 days to recovery. Despite setbacks, Carlo Ancelotti insists Neymar can still feature in the 2026 World Cup if he regains full fitness.

In the midst of the international break, Neymar’s absence from Brazil’s squad has become a major talking point. Nearly two years have passed since his last appearance for the national team, which ended in a 2-0 loss to Uruguay in October 2023 when he suffered a torn ACL. Since then, two coaches have managed Brazil without him.

Now 33, Neymar’s return to Santos in early 2025 marked an attempt to rebuild his career after an injury-plagued stint at Al-Hilal. Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil’s current coach, has yet to recall him, citing fitness concerns despite acknowledging Neymar’s unmatched talent. Between 2015 and 2025, the forward has endured 33 injuries, missing around 1,417 days, almost four years of football. His latest setback came in September 2025 with a thigh injury, though Santos expects him back in November.

The situation draws parallels with Ronaldo Fenômeno, who overcame a two-year injury layoff to lead Brazil to World Cup glory in 2002. For Neymar, the path to redemption still exists. A fully fit and motivated version could not only reignite his international career but also be the key piece Ancelotti needs to restore Brazil’s dominance on the global stage ahead of the 2026 World Cup.