‘Tearful’ Neymar expects return as early as mid-year after successful surgery

Brazil international Neymar, 31, who was in tears after suffering a major injury, has undergone successful surgery. He is expected to return as early as the middle of next year.

Neymar underwent successful knee surgery at a hospital in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, according to multiple foreign media outlets, including AP.

Neymar was stretchered off after colliding with an opponent during Brazil’s 2026 FIFA Confederations Cup North and Central America qualifier against Uruguay on Oct. 18. Neymar broke down in tears as he realized he had suffered a major injury.

Neymar was diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee, requiring surgery and a long rehabilitation period.

Fortunately, the surgery was successful. “We are satisfied with the outcome of the surgery,” said Rodrigo Lasmar, the Brazilian national team doctor. Neymar also posted a photo on social media of himself smiling and giving a thumbs-up.

However, his return is likely to be a long time coming. “It could be as little as six months or as long as a year before we see Neymar on the field again,” AP explained. At the earliest, he’ll need to recover by May of next year.

Neymar left Paris Saint-Germain (France) for Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) in a €90 million ($127.5 billion) transfer in August, but his absence was prolonged by a major injury.

At the time of his injury, Neymar said, “The surgery and rehabilitation process will not be easy, but I will not lose faith that I can come back. I will get through it by imagining the moment we meet again,” he said at the time of his injury. 슬롯사이트