Credit: @SantosFC / X

Neymar Leaves Pitch in Tears After Latest Injury Setback

Since returning to Santos from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, Neymar has made eight appearances and scored three goals.

Credit: @SantosFC / X

Neymar’s return to action on Wednesday took a heartbreaking turn as the Santos forward was forced off just 34 minutes into his first start of the Brazilian Serie A season. Marking his 100th official appearance for Santos, Neymar was wearing a special commemorative jersey when he suffered a leg injury in the clash against Atletico-MG.

Neymar began the match with both legs visibly strapped. Shortly after Alvaro Barreal scored to put Santos 2-0 up, Neymar signaled to the bench in discomfort. He sat down on the pitch, awaiting medical attention. It was soon clear he could not continue. Visibly emotional, Neymar was helped off the field in tears on a medical buggy.

We Have To Pray: Santos Head Coach

The 33-year-old had only just made his comeback from a six-week spell on the sidelines due to a thigh injury in the previous match against Fluminense. The former Barcelona star’s early exit has cast doubt over his fitness once again, cutting short what was supposed to be a milestone moment in front of the Santos fans.

Neymar… 💔 pic.twitter.com/TJnhUeOlss
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) April 17, 2025

“It’s still too early, we don’t have a diagnosis. That will be done tomorrow,” Santos interim head coach César Sampaio told reporters.

Also Read: Why Neymar Didn’t Play? Brazilian Star Explains Bench Role As Santos Fall to Corinthians

“It’s a very important loss … We have to pray that it’s not something that will cause him to be absent for a long time.”

Neymar, who rejoined Santos in January, sustained the previous injury on March 2. He was substituted during Santos’ match against Bragantino after sustaining an injury on his left thigh. He also missed the club’s Sao Paulo state championship semifinal against Corinthians.

Since returning to Santos from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, the former Paris Saint-Germain forward has made eight appearances and scored three goals. Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, has not featured for the national team since October 2023, when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.