Neymar Battles Depression and Injury to Reignite Santos’s World Cup Hopes
A harrowing period of mental health struggles and persistent injuries nearly drove football superstar Neymar to early retirement, but a pivotal conversation with his father and a renewed focus on the 2026 World Cup have sparked a remarkable comeback.
Neymar’s return to Santos in 2025 was initially intended to revitalize his career, regain peak fitness, and prepare for international competition. However, the Brazilian icon faced a relentless series of setbacks that threatened to derail his ambitions and push him to the brink.
A Descent into Darkness
The challenges began with a wave of injuries throughout the 2025 season. Neymar endured more than 20 missed games due to muscular problems, but the most devastating blow came late in the year with a meniscus injury. What compounded the physical pain was the premature leak of the injury news to the media, before he even received official confirmation from his doctor. Reports suggesting he would be sidelined until 2026 dealt a severe blow to his already fragile mental state.
According to his father, Neymar “fell into depression” after hearing speculation that he might not play football again that year. The psychological impact was profound, leading the star to question his future in the sport.
The Brink of Retirement
The pressure reached a breaking point during a private conversation at home. Neymar confessed to his father that he “couldn’t take it anymore,” even doubting the efficacy of surgery. This was the moment he seriously contemplated ending his playing career.
However, Neymar’s father adopted a firm yet supportive approach, redirecting his son’s focus toward the looming 2026 World Cup. He emphasized the proximity of the tournament and urged Neymar to ignore external negativity. This conversation proved to be a turning point, reigniting a spark of hope within the struggling athlete.
A Risky Return and a Crucial Victory
Despite the inherent risks, Neymar bravely decided to resume training, carefully bracing his injured knee. He pushed through the pain, gradually regaining his touch and confidence. This courageous return proved instrumental in Santos’s fight to avoid relegation.
On November 29th, Neymar delivered a standout performance in a critical match against Recife, leading Santos to a decisive 3-0 victory. This win temporarily lifted the club out of the relegation zone in the 36th round of the Brazilian Championship.
The Uncontainable Ambition of a Star
Neymar’s father acknowledged the difficulty in managing his son’s playing time, stating that the Santos coaching team constantly attempts to regulate his minutes, but it’s nearly impossible. “He doesn’t know how to allocate his strength,” his father explained. “He constantly drops deep into his own half, demands the ball and plays with unbridled ambition. The only way to control Neymar is to keep him off the pitch.”
Despite the ongoing challenges of managing his intensity, Neymar’s resilience and determination have shone through, offering a beacon of hope for Santos and a compelling narrative of overcoming adversity as he looks toward the 2026 World Cup.
