Neymar is undoubtedly the most talented player in the Brazilian team. However, his international career was regularly hampered by injuries. Last Tuesday, in a qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup against Uruguay, Brazil lost 2-0, ending an 8-year unbeaten run in this competition.
But more than a defeat, it was a new injury to Neymar which marked this meeting. Hit in the left knee after an opposing tackle, the Brazilian number 10 had to leave the field on a stretcher in the first period. Examinations revealed a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligaments and meniscus. This is already Neymar’s sixth injury with the Brazilian jersey.
At 31, the number 10 and captain of the Seleção is too regularly held back physically, to the great dismay of his supporters. Let’s look in more detail at each of these injuries which each time kept Neymar off the field for several months.
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February 2018: the first fracture of the fifth metatarsal
During a clash with the Marseille defender in the PSG-OM Classic, Neymar remained on the ground holding his right foot. Examinations revealed a fracture of the fifth metatarsal, a fragile bone in the foot. A surgical intervention with the installation of metal screws is decided. After three months of complete rest and progressive physical rehabilitation sessions, he was allowed to return to the field in May.
January 2019: the dreaded relapse
Barely returned to team training after his long convalescence, Neymar felt severe pain in the same place. New examinations, unfortunately, confirm the most worrying diagnosis: recurrence of the fracture of the fifth right metatarsal. A second operation was necessary, further extending his absence to around three months. The Brazilian thus finds himself brought back to square one, a huge setback.
Sprained ankle in 2019
While making his big return to the selection for a friendly match before the Copa América, Neymar violently twists his right ankle on a support. Suffering from a fractured fibula, he was once again forced to withdraw from the continental tournament, missing the opportunity to shine in front of his home crowd.
2019: The appearance of the first muscle injuries
Back on the pitch in October against Nigeria, the Brazilian thought he had put his injuries behind him for good. But after just ten minutes, he felt pain in his left thigh, revealing a minor muscle tear. Another three weeks of unavailability, at the worst time before the resumption of the Champions League…
2022-2023: An accumulation of minor injuries
Between a sprained ankle in the World Cup and various muscle problems at the club, Neymar has been absent for almost a year over three seasons. His body seems more and more fragile in the face of the physical load.
October 2023: a serious rupture of the anterior cruciate ligaments and meniscus
During a Brazil-Uruguay match, Neymar’s left knee gave way following a dangerous tackle. Terrible diagnosis: rupture of the cruciate ligaments, operation and long six-month rehabilitation…
Neymar has suffered nine injuries and missed 530 days of football since 2018, according to a survey carried out by ESPN Data 🤕 pic.twitter.com/N4tq1usBv1
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 19, 2023
At 31, Neymar already has six major injuries with Brazil. His ability to string together matches at a very high level calls into question his physical resistance. Although essential to the Seleção when he is fit to play, his fragile body too often plays tricks on him at the worst times. Brazil and its supporters hope that the star will manage to sustainably treat these recurring physical problems.
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