“It’s a sad moment, the worst.” This is how Neymar expresses how he feels through his social networks, after the injury he suffered this Tuesday in the qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup against Uruguay at the Centenario stadium in Montevideo. A tear of the anterior cruciate ligament and the meniscus is the reason why the Rio player will have to undergo surgery – the date has yet to be determined – and will miss the rest of the season: “It is a very sad moment, the worst. I know I’m strong but this time I’m going to need my (family and friends) even more,” he points out on his Instagram.
“If it’s no longer easy to go through an injury and an operation, imagine going through all that again after four months of recovery. I have faith, even too much… but I put the strength in God’s hands so that he can renew mine. Thank you for the messages of support and love,” Neymar thanks footballers like Kaká, Richarlison, Felipe Melo and Diego Ribas who showed their support for the former Barça player online. Likewise, the Brazilian ’10’ posted another post hours later in which he is seen covering his face, stretched out on the stretcher, with the following message: “Faith.”
Neymar’s injury came as a result of a fight for the ball in the 43rd minute of the first half of the match with the Uruguayan midfielder, Nicolás De la Cruz. The ’10’ of the ‘canarinha’ left the field of play in tears and on a stretcher because of this unfortunate action, being aware that his physical discomfort did not bode well. The medical services of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and Al Hilal confirmed the evidence.
The top leader of the Brazilian team will not play in the next qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup that will pit the ‘Seleçao’ against Colombia and Argentina on November 16 and 21, respectively. The first in Barranquilla and the second in Rio de Janeiro. As far as club dynamics are concerned, Al Hilal will not have its star for the remaining 25 rounds of the Saudi Pro League nor for the Asian Champions League.
