Neymar's Quest for World Cup Fitness: A Closer Look at His Journey
Neymar is determined to overcome his injury struggles and earn a spot in Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad. A late surge in form for Santos has shown glimpses of his talent, but now he turns to a renowned 'miracle doctor' for help. Let's delve into Neymar's upcoming journey to regain full fitness and fulfill his World Cup dreams.

Neymar is all set to visit the 'miracle doctor' in Brazil in a bid to overcome injury and make it to Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad in North America next summer. Neymar has struggled for fitness throughout the calendar year; however, he saw a late resurgence into the season as he scored and helped Santos avoid relegation, finishing 12th in the Brazilian top division league. In his final four games for Santos at the business end of the Brazilian Serie A season, Neymar scored five goals and provided one assist as his boyhood club won their last three matches of the campaign and successfully saved relegation. The late resurgence included a hat-trick for the Brazil icon, which came in Santos' 3-0 win over Juventude. However, Neymar is still recovering from his chronic injury issues and is now planning to work on his condition to get fully fit and earn a recall in the Brazil squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup next summer.Neymar will soon undergo a partial arthroscopic meniscectomy on his left knee. ESPN further reports that the 33-year-old will soon consult a famous Brazilian physiotherapist, Eduardo Santos, who is known as 'Dr. Miracle' for his ability to treat patients in record time, often using unconventional methods. Graduated from PUC (Pontifical Catholic University) in Belo Horizonte, Santos holds a master's and doctorate in sports medicine, and for years, he headed the medical department of Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG. He has also worked at Vitesse in the Netherlands and Zenit in Russia.Some of his high-profile patients include Hulk, Oscar, Philippe Coutinho and, more recently, Manchester United's Matheus Cunha and Vanderson. Santos is currently in England, working closely on the recovery of Fulham star Rodrigo Muniz. In 2015, after former Brazilian defender David Luiz was ruled out for eight to 10 weeks, Santos miraculously made him play his next match within 10 days. Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Despite Neymar working hard to regain his full fitness ahead of the World Cup, Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti recently issued a warning to all Selecao stars. The Italian coach said: "There are many players who are very good, I need to choose players that are 100%. It's not just Neymar, it could be [Real Madrid forward] Vinicius. If Vinicius is at 90%, I'll call up another player who is at 100%, because it's a team that has a very high level of competence, especially up front. Up front, we have really many good players." He added: "If we talk about Neymar, we have to talk about other players. We have to think about Brazil, which can be with Neymar or without Neymar, with other players or without other players. The definitive list we will make after the FIFA date in March. I understand very well that they are very interested in Neymar, I want to clarify that we are in December, the World Cup is in June, I will choose the team that will go to the World Cup in May. If Neymar deserves to be, if he is well, better than someone else, he will play in the World Cup and period. I don't owe anyone a debt."After Santos' final game of the season, Neymar told reporters that he is not certain whether to continue at the club after his current deal expires in a few weeks. The Brazil star said: "I came for this, to try to help the best way I can. These have been tough weeks for me. I thank those who were with me to lift me up. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't have played these matches because of these injuries, this knee problem. I need to rest and then we will have this knee surgery. I do not know, really. I don’t know. I need some days now, I need to rest, disconnect then decide my future. For sure my priority always goes to Santos."
Neymar's Injury Woes and Late Surge in Form
Throughout the year, Neymar has battled fitness issues, but a late-season resurgence saw him shine for Santos, scoring crucial goals to avoid relegation. His standout performance, a hat-trick against Juventude, highlighted his enduring quality and determination.
Consulting the 'Miracle Doctor'
In a bid to fully overcome his lingering injuries, Neymar is set to undergo a partial arthroscopic meniscectomy and seek treatment from Brazilian physiotherapist Eduardo Santos, renowned for his rapid recovery methods. With a track record of healing high-profile athletes, including former patients like Hulk and Coutinho, Santos offers Neymar hope for a successful comeback.
Carlo Ancelotti's Warning and Brazil's Selection Dilemma
Despite Neymar's efforts to regain full fitness, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has emphasized the need for players at peak condition for the World Cup. Ancelotti's cautionary words stress the fierce competition for spots in Brazil's star-studded lineup, signaling that only fully fit players will secure a position.
Neymar's Uncertain Future and Dedication to Santos
Following Santos' season conclusion, Neymar remains unsure about his future with the club as his current deal nears expiration. Amidst his injury recovery and impending decisions, Neymar expresses gratitude to those supporting him through his challenges and reaffirms his commitment to Santos while contemplating his next steps.





