Neymar exited the action at the end of the first stage looking stunned, escorted off the pitch, and clearly shaken by what he had just experienced.
During the fourth day of the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 North American campaign, Brazil traveled to Uruguay to face the hosts at the Centenario Stadium. As the first half drew to a close, Brazil found themselves trailing 1-0, and a heavier blow followed: Neymar appeared to suffer a serious injury and left the field in visible distress.
In the current standings for the 2026 South American Qualifiers, a broad overview shows a tournament that keeps teams in a tight race for World Cup qualification. The Brazilian forward, who has endured a lengthy history of injuries, spent the remainder of the match on the sidelines, tears in his eyes, while medical staff attended to him after the knock at the 45th minute. The moment underscored the fragility of a career defined by remarkable highs and persistent injury setbacks.
Further medical evaluation confirmed a severe knee injury involving both the anterior cruciate ligament and the meniscus. Because of the confirmed ACL and meniscal tear, Neymar will not be called up for the upcoming November FIFA window, when Brazil is scheduled to travel to Colombia and host Argentina. At present, estimates of his return are uncertain, but the prevailing expectation is that the rest of the 2023-2024 season will be missed, necessitating a carefully structured rehabilitation plan aimed at a prompt, safe return to competitive football.
The medical tests conducted on Neymar established the ACL and meniscal tear in his knee, and he is set to undergo surgery followed by a rehabilitation program that will be determined in the aftermath. The club released a statement with hopeful sentiments for a strong comeback and timing that will be clarified through the course of recovery. Return stronger @Neymar Jr #AlHilal
— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) October 18, 2023
The forward’s misfortune did not end there; in a subsequent 1-1 draw with Venezuela, a tense atmosphere grew as a small number of Brazilian supporters directed hostility toward Neymar from the stands by throwing food onto the field, a moment that reflected the intense passion surrounding the player and the team during this challenging period.