Raphael Veiga travelled to Brazil to undergo surgery on a left shoulder injury, casting serious doubt on his future with Club América as his loan deal nears its expiration.
The 31-year-old Brazilian midfielder received authorization from the Coapa board to return to his home country for medical intervention and rehabilitation following a luxation sustained during training prior to a match against León, according to Récord.
While undergoing therapy abroad, Veiga was spotted attending a Copa de Brasil semifinal match between Palmeiras and Vasco da Gama at Allianz Parque—also referred to as Nubank Park by other outlets such as Fox Sports—where the Verdao won 1-0 and he was greeted by supporters, as reported by Bolavip México.
Fox Sports added that the player maintained a serious expression before raising his right arm for a greeting that he held for several seconds. Raphael Veiga also shared images of his presence at the stadium supporting Palmeiras as they faced Vasco da Gama.
Days later, Récord noted that the player attended the Brazilian Grand Prix in São Paulo, posing for a photograph with race winner Lando Norris. These social appearances during his medical leave drew criticism from América supporters on social media, particularly while the team drew against Pumas and dropped the superlative leadership in the Apertura 2026 tournament, according to TV Azteca.
América originally secured Veiga on a loan agreement that runs through December 31, 2026, following a transfer investment of 1.5 million dollars, noted Bolavip México. However, El Futbolero reported a differing figure for the potential transaction, stating that the club has until December to execute an option of 6.5 million dollars pactaded with Palmeiras. Exercising the purchase option appears increasingly unlikely.
Club sporting president Santiago Baños addressed the financial complications in an interview with TUDN, as cited by Fox Sports:
It’s complicated due to many factors. He went to have surgery in Brazil, he will return for the Liguilla, to be with the squad. The matter of the purchase is complicated because he isn’t a cheap player, he also hits our payroll hard. It’s difficult, there’s little probability that he can continue
Santiago Baños, Club América sports president
Before his injury sidelined him from Guillermo Almada’s squad, Veiga contributed one goal and two assists across nine appearances in the Apertura 2026 tournament, with his final Liga MX match occurring on October 11 against Monterrey, according to Récord.
Should América decline to execute the purchase clause before the loan expires in December, the midfielder will remain under contract with Palmeiras until December 2028, where he previously accumulated 384 matches, 108 goals, 53 assists, and 12 titles—including two Copa Libertadores trophies and two Brasileirao championships, as detailed by Nación Fútbol.
Will Club América commit to the transfer fee before December?