Brazilian soccer icon Neymar endured a heartbreaking moment during their recent 2026 World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, leaving the pitch in tears and leaving fans concerned over his injury situation.
In the first half, Neymar engaged in a ball-winning challenge and appeared to twist his left knee awkwardly, causing a sharp pain. Concerns for Brazil increased as they faced a 2-0 loss to Uruguay when Neymar was stretchered off the pitch just before halftime.
Neymar went off the pitch in tears after picking up an injury during Uruguay 🆚 Brazil 😢
Get well soon, @neymarjr 🙏 pic.twitter.com/5lxyIXQJXX
— 433 (@433) October 18, 2023
With this injury, Neymar is most likely to miss Al-Hilal’s next encounter against Al-Khaleej. The injury setback came as the Brazilian had just returned to the pitch after a long absence due to ankle ligament surgery earlier this year that sidelined him for five months, with his latest injury followers feared for his condition.
Quick recovery baller 🔥
— Duke of Bourdillon (@DukeofBourdilon) October 18, 2023
Another fan stated his concern by saying, “This could be a serious injury for him.”
Brazil’s national team captain, Casemiro, expressed his concerns for Neymar, emphasizing his importance to the team. “He’s been suffering a lot from injuries, and when he starts to pick up the pace, he gets injured again,” Casemiro stated during an interview with Globo television.
Uruguay secured their first victory over Brazil since 2001, with Darwin Nunez scoring the opener and setting up Nicolas de la Cruz for the second goal.
The defeat marked Brazil’s second consecutive loss in the qualifiers, and the team’s path ahead is uncertain. Brazil will face table-toppers Argentina in November with the aim of coming back on track to winning ways.
A history of injuries that have defined Neymar’s career
Despite his status as one of the best talents in the game, Neymar’s journey has been marred by a series of injuries, which have nearly put him out of business. Neymar’s injury story can be traced back to key moments in his career.
Neymar suffered an injury at the 2014 FIFA World Cup that not only ended the tournament prematurely but had a major impact on Brazil’s chances. His absence from the team that lost 7-1 to Germany in the semi-finals was conspicuous.
“The doctor told me,’ The bad news is your World Cup is over.’ I burst into tears, saying, ‘What’s the good news then?’ He said: ‘Close to two centimeters, you wouldn’t be walking anymore. I cried, I was sad to leave the World Cup, sad to be injured.”
-Neymar on his 2014 injury pic.twitter.com/J8fPHFB9wf
— Football Talk (@FootballTalkHQ) October 13, 2021
Neymar’s move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 for a staggering $262 million transfer fee marked a new chapter in his career. But this chapter was explained by a recurrence of injuries that forced him to miss nearly 100 PSG games until he recently joined Saudi club Al Hilal.
While there is no official word on the severity of Neymar’s latest injury, the incident at Centenario hints at the possibility of an ACL tear. Medical staff and Brazil national team coaches confirmed that it was indeed a knee injury that forced Neymar out of the game early.