The Formula One Season So Far

Neymar’s Fight for a World Cup Spot

Photo from Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior is one of the most recognized soccer players of all time. As a decorated Brazilian forward, Neymar is known for winning the 2015 UEFA Champions League with Barcelona, winning Olympic gold in 2016 with Brazil and surpassing Pelé to become Brazil's all-time leading goal scorer. Fans around the world enjoy watching his signature ball control and flashy plays.

Neymar, who is currently 34, is hoping to play in the World Cup this summer, which will likely be his fourth and final World Cup for Brazil. However, he has faced multiple injuries that have prevented him from playing for Brazil since Oct. 2023.

"Neymar has made, and continues to make, history in Brazilian football," Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti said. "He is a great talent, and it's only natural that people think he can help us win the next World Cup."

Neymar has had many significant injuries throughout his career. The most notable one being a severe left knee injury in Oct. 2023. This involved a ruptured ACL and meniscus, which required surgery and caused a long recovery. Following this injury, his health deteriorated from there. He has had persistent ankle ligament damage, adductor issues and suffered another meniscus injury that happened in 2024-25, which occurred because of his past tears.

Whether or not Neymar is fit enough to play in the yellow and green is undecided, but fans around the world are buoyant about his return to the Brazilian team. From unexpected injuries to World Cup wins, Neymar will always be known for being one of the greatest players of all time.