Neymar’s Fitness Raises Concerns Ahead of the 2026 World Cup

The spotlight is once again on Neymar. A viral video showing the forward struggling to sprint and keep the ball in play during a match with Santos FC has triggered widespread debate about his physical condition ahead of the 2026 World Cup with the Brazil national football team.

Neymar returned to Santos in 2025 in what many described as a redemption chapter in his career. However, his recent injury history remains a major concern. In 2023, he suffered a serious knee ligament injury while representing Brazil, sidelining him for nearly a year. Then, in December 2025, he underwent another surgical procedure, forcing him into yet another rehabilitation process.

While he has shown flashes of brilliance in domestic competition, his latest appearance against Novorizontino intensified criticism. In one particular moment, Neymar was seen chasing a loose ball at a noticeably slower pace, ultimately failing to keep it in play. The clip quickly spread across social media, with some fans claiming he no longer possesses the explosiveness that once made him a global superstar during his spells at FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Neymar himself recently admitted he is taking his career “year by year” and has not ruled out retirement in the near future. For now, Brazil waits to see if its most gifted talent can rise once more.

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