Santos provides crucial update on Neymar’s injury: When can fans expect Brazil star’s return after Brazilian Serie A opener confirmed absence?

The buzz surrounding Neymar‘s return to Santos has been one of the biggest storylines in Brazilian soccer this year. After a decade in Europe and a brief, turbulent spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal, the veteran icon is back where it all started. Yet, just as fans were eager to see him shine once more in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, Neymar’s first-division comeback has been temporarily halted.

Since rejoining his boyhood side, Neymar has shown flashes of his old brilliance. His early performances were marked by goals, creativity, and the joyful style that made him a global superstar.

However, lingering injuries — most notably the serious knee ligament damage that kept him sidelined for nearly a year — have once again interrupted his rhythm. The Brazilian forward has already missed a month of action and, frustratingly for fans, will also sit out Santos’ opening match of the 2025 Serie A season against Vasco da Gama.

When is Neymar expected to return?

In an official update, Santos addressed Neymar’s status, confirming that a new medical plan has been devised to manage his recovery more carefully. “Neymar will now follow a ‘physical transition’ plan,” the club revealed. The focus is on improving his recovery while building up his strength gradually, to avoid the common pitfalls of recurring injuries after long layoffs. “The intention is to improve his recovery and strengthening and avoid longer periods of inactivity, a situation that often occurs after a long period of absence, as was his case.”

The medical staff is taking a conservative approach, with weekly evaluations determining when Neymar will be ready for full training and, eventually, competitive action. His rehabilitation is ongoing at the club’s training center, where he is under constant supervision.

The Peixe’s coach, Pedro Caixinha, spoke candidly about the situation: “Now we’re preparing him for the training cycle, and then we’ll prepare him for the training and match cycle. It’s a process that requires patience to get him ready.” The Portuguese manager stressed that the star’s return date is still up in the air, as there is no interest in rushing him back, especially given his injury history.

“We’re preparing him first for full training sessions, and then for competitive matches. Patience is key,” added Caixinha, echoing the sentiment of the entire team staff.

Neymar’s path back

While Neymar, now 33 years old, remains determined to return, there is no official timeline for his comeback. According to Globoesporte, the injury he sustained in March is still affecting him, making it unlikely for him to feature anytime soon. What is certain is that Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, has his eyes firmly on one final goal—to play well once he returns from injury to secure his spot in the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.