Brazil is making its 23rd appearance in the FIFA World Cup. They are one of the top contenders in the 2026 edition. The tournament is being hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico across multiple venues, and for the first time, 48 teams are participating.
But one name has been missing since Brazil began their campaign for the 2026 World Cup, and that is Neymar. He suffered an injury while playing for Santos FC. Since then, he has been undergoing rehabilitation for a calf injury under the supervision of Brazil’s coaching staff and medical team.
Neymar is one of the greatest players in the history of Brazil. He also holds the record for scoring the most goals for his national team, surpassing the legendary Pelé. But why is he still not playing despite being included in the World Cup squad? Here is the full update on Neymar’s injury.
Timeline of Neymar’s Injuries from 2020-21 to 2025-26
2020-21
Neymar was injured in the 2020 and 2021 seasons due to an ankle injury, where he had not played for 100 days, and he missed 16 professional games for his club and country as well.
- Matches Missed: 21
- Days Missed: 100
- Injury Types: Adductor pain, Ankle problems
2021-22
In the 2021-22 season, the star footballer suffered an ankle injury and adductor pain. He missed 21 matches, and he was out of the action for 115 days.
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- Matches Missed: 21
- Days Missed: 115
- Injury Types: Ankle injury, Adductor pain
2022-23
Neymar struggled again with an ankle injury in the 2022-23 season. He was not available for 141 days, and he missed 18 professional matches.
- Matches Missed: 20
- Days Missed: 141
- Injury Types: Ankle injury
2023-24
Once again Neymar got injured in the 2023-24 season. He was not available for almost the whole season, which is 371 days, and overall he missed 65 games in the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
- Matches Missed: 65
- Days Missed: 371
- Injury Types: Cruciate ligament tear, Muscular problems
2024-25
Neymar was injured in the 2024-25 season. He struggled due to a hamstring injury and was not available for 193 days. During that time, he missed 31 matches for his country and club.
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- Matches Missed: 31
- Days Missed: 193
- Injury Types: Hamstring injury
2025-26
In the ongoing season, again, he is suffering from injury in the 2025-2026 season. Till now he has not been available for 152 days, during which he missed 29 games.
- Matches Missed: 29
- Days Missed: 152
- Injury Types: Calf injury, Knee surgery, Meniscus injury, Hamstring injury
The Reason For His Absence
Neymar has been struggling with injuries since October 2023. He was injured in a recent club match while playing for Santos FC. He often faces injury setbacks and has repeatedly struggled with fitness issues, especially around major tournaments.
Despite ongoing injury concerns, he made it into Brazil’s 26-man squad. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti stated that Neymar was included because of his technical quality and the vast experience he brings to the team. But that does not guarantee him a place on the pitch. He will only return when he is fully fit and medically cleared to play.Currently, due to his muscle injury, Neymar is expected to miss Brazil’s match against Haiti in Philadelphia. However, he could make his comeback during the knockout stage of the tournament
How many times has Neymar gotten injured during the FIFA World Cup?
Neymar has struggled with injuries in three of his four World Cup appearances. Firstly, during the FIFA World Cup 2014, he got injured while playing against Colombia in the quarter-final match. He was playing exceptionally well before getting injured and was leading the Golden Boot race. Eventually, he suffered an injury and was ruled out of the tournament.
While playing in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he picked up a severe right ankle injury in the opening group-stage match against Serbia. As a result, he missed the rest of the group-stage matches and returned during the knockout rounds.
Now, in the 2026 World Cup edition, due to calf injury concerns, he is not able to play the group-stage matches, and he might return during the knockout matches if he is fully fit.
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Will he be able to make a comeback?
Brazil’s medical staff and coaching department are concerned about his muscle injury. The management is taking his fitness very seriously, as they know Neymar could be the biggest match-winner for his country, and they are determined to avoid any injury setback caused by rushing him back too soon.
A major setback for Brazil, Neymar has been out of the group-stage matches. He has not trained with Carlo Ancelotti’s squad since arriving at Granja Comary. The management wants him to rest, recover fully, and be available for the knockout matches. Everyone wants him back in action, as he is one of the strongest and most experienced players in Brazil’s 26-man men’s squad.
The 34-year-old is expected to step onto the pitch for practice this week, as he needs to recover fast. But he will only be allowed to train and fully attend medical sessions when the management gives him clearance.
Ancelotti wants his best player available for the most important matches, but he also does not want to compromise his health. Ancelotti believes that Neymar will be fully fit again. He can turn a match in Brazil’s favor at any moment, and he kept him on the team to keep the faith alive within the Brazilian national football team so the younger players can perform well.
Neymar’s performance for Brazil
Neymar is one of the most dangerous players in the history of Brazil national football team. He has been one of the finest players admired by Brazil fans. The star footballer holds the record for scoring 79 international goals for his country in 126 appearances, which is the highest tally by any player for Brazil. He has also surpassed the great footballer Pelé’s record of 77 goals.
This could be Neymar’s final appearance at the FIFA World Cup, and he aims to win the title for his country and help Brazil secure its sixth World Cup trophy. He has been one of the best technical players in world football and a key figure in the Brazil national team.
But the only thing that bothers him most is his recurring injury problems. Throughout much of his professional career, injuries have kept him away from the pitch.
Fans eagerly want to watch Neymar represent Brazil
In the FIFA World Cup 2026, football fans are excited about two players, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, as they are both playing what is expected to be their last FIFA World Cup, and they could retire after the end of the tournament. Therefore, fans are eagerly hoping to see these two legends lift the trophy.
And especially, the buzz around Neymar has reached another level. Not only in Brazil or other European nations, but even in South India and Northeast India, where football enjoys a massive following, fans have put up posters in Kerala and other parts of the country. So, the buzz around Neymar is real, and fans are eagerly waiting for him to play for his nation. Football fans want to see Neymar’s final dance on the World Cup stage.
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