# Neymar Secures Santos’ Serie A Survival, Announces Knee Surgery
Santos FC, bolstered by the performance of Neymar, avoided relegation from Brazil’s Serie A with a decisive 3-0 victory over Cruzeiro on Sunday. The 33-year-old soccer star later confirmed he will undergo surgery to address a persistent left knee issue.
Santos,a club steeped in history and globally recognized for its association with the legendary Pelé,faced the very real threat of its second-ever relegation. The club was previously relegated in 2023, a little less than a year after Pelé’s passing. This season’s fight for survival underscored the weight of expectation surrounding the club and the impact of Neymar’s return.
Neymar’s comeback to Santos in January was seen as a pivotal moment. After suffering a torn ACL in October 2023 during a world Cup qualifier against Uruguay, his recovery and subsequent contribution proved crucial in steering the team away from the drop zone. Despite playing in only 19 of the 38 league rounds, which began in April, Neymar scored eight goals and consistently influenced matches.
His recent form was particularly impressive. In the final three rounds of the league, Neymar scored against Sport Recife in a 3-0 win, registered a hat trick against Juventude in another 3-0 victory on Wednesday, and served as a key playmaker in Sunday’s win against Cruzeiro.
The goals against Cruzeiro came from Thaciano (26th and 28th minutes) and João Schmidt (60th) at vila Belmiro Stadium. The victory secured Santos’ 12th-place finish with 47 points.
“I came for this, to try to help the best way I can,” Neymar said after the game.”These have been tough weeks for me. I thank those who were with me to lift me up. If it weren’t for these matches because of these injuries, this knee problem. I need to rest and then we will have this knee surgery.”
Neymar remained tight-lipped about the specifics of his knee injury and the upcoming surgery. However,he expressed hope of being included in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. The national team’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has indicated that Neymar would be considered if fit, but has yet to formally select the former captain as taking the helm in May.
Elsewhere in Brazilian football, Flamengo clinched its ninth Brazilian league title midweek with a 1-0 victory over Ceara. The Rio de Janeiro club also recently added the Copa Libertadores title to its trophy cabinet.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
