Neymar Jr.’s long-anticipated return to Santos FC came to a disappointing halt on Wednesday evening, as the veteran footballer was forced off the pitch with a new injury just 34 minutes into his first appearance in the 2025 Brazilian league season. Football insider Fabrizio Romano confirmed the development, reporting that Neymar exited early after picking up yet another physical setback.

“Neymar Jr walks off the field with a fresh injury. Santos had him in the starting lineup for tonight’s Brasileirão match, but after 34 minutes, he was substituted,” Romano posted.

The incident marks the continuation of a worrying pattern for the 33-year-old, whose career has increasingly been overshadowed by persistent injuries.

Saudi Exit and Struggles With Fitness

This latest injury comes shortly after Neymar ended a troubled spell with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. The Brazilian superstar had signed with the club in August 2023 on a deal worth an estimated $104 million annually. However, injury woes quickly derailed his time there.

Only two months after his arrival, Neymar suffered a severe knee ligament tear during an international match for Brazil in October 2023. He later encountered a hamstring problem during his attempted comeback in late 2024, further delaying his return to action.

By January 2025, both Neymar and Al-Hilal mutually agreed to terminate the contract. The club released a statement saying, “We thank Neymar for his contributions and wish him success in the next chapter of his career.”

Despite his premature departure from the Saudi club, Neymar maintained his commitment to continuing his football journey.

Eyes on 2026 World Cup Despite Setbacks

In an interview earlier this year, Neymar spoke openly about his ambition to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which he described as his final shot on the global stage.

“This will be my last World Cup, my final opportunity, and I’ll do everything possible to be there,” he said during a CNN appearance.

His desire to regain form and rhythm led him back to Santos—his first professional club and the place where his international fame began.

Emotional Return Interrupted

Fans had high hopes for Neymar’s return to Santos, and his signing was viewed as a powerful homecoming for the Brazilian icon. After extensive negotiations, Neymar made his first start for the club in years, drawing major attention both locally and internationally.

However, excitement quickly turned to concern when he had to be withdrawn from the match before halftime due to injury. While specific details have yet to emerge, the early exit has sparked fears that another lengthy recovery period could be looming.

A Career Diminished by Injuries

Neymar’s ongoing physical issues have taken a toll on what was once one of the most promising football careers of his generation. After dazzling fans at Santos early in his career, he transferred to FC Barcelona in 2013. There, he formed a historic attacking trio alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, winning the Champions League and a La Liga title in 2015.

In 2017, Neymar broke records by moving to Paris Saint-Germain in a world-record €220 million transfer. During his six seasons in France, he lifted multiple domestic titles and helped PSG reach the Champions League final in 2020. Still, his time in Paris was frequently interrupted by injuries and reports of locker room tension.

After parting ways with PSG, Neymar’s switch to Al-Hilal was seen as a new beginning. Yet, that chapter also closed prematurely due to repeated injuries. Now, with his return to Brazil interrupted again, doubts are growing about his ability to return to peak form.

Race Against Time

With 79 goals in 127 games, Neymar stands as Brazil’s all-time top scorer. However, his legacy now faces increasing scrutiny as health concerns continue to dominate the conversation around his future.

The countdown to the 2026 World Cup has begun, and Neymar has limited time to recover, regain fitness, and prove he can still perform at the top level. While millions of fans remain hopeful, the road ahead appears uncertain.

For now, Santos supporters and the wider football world await updates on the extent of his latest injury. Supporters can only hope this is a short-term issue and not another prolonged absence that could dim the final chapters of an otherwise illustrious career.