Neymar is facing an extended period on the sidelines, as both Al-Hilal and the CBF have verified that the striker sustained an anterior cruciate ligament tear while representing Brazil on international duty. A visibly emotional Neymar had to be stretchered off the field after injuring his left knee during Brazil’s World Cup qualifying loss to Uruguay on Tuesday. The 31-year-old had signed a two-year contract with the Saudi Pro League club in August.
Al-Hilal striker Neymar tore his anterior cruciate ligament while on international duty with Brazil, the CBF and his club has confirmed.
A tearful Neymar was stretchered off after injuring his left knee during Brazil’s World Cup qualifying defeat to Uruguay on Tuesday.
He suffered the injury after landing awkwardly in the 44th minute of the 2-0 loss.
“Striker Neymar Jr. of the Brazilian team and Al-Hilal, from Saudi Arabia, underwent clinical and imaging tests this Wednesday, which confirmed the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee,” read a statement on the CBF website.
“On Tuesday night, Neymar suffered a knee sprain during the Brazilian team’s game against Uruguay, in Montevideo for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.”
“Brazilian and world football need Neymar healthy and recovered, because football is happier when he’s on the pitch,” Brazilian Football Confederation president Ednaldo Rodrigues added.
A club statement from Al-Hilal said: “The medical tests Neymar underwent, confirmed the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus tear injury in his knee, he will be going through surgery and then a treatment program that will be determined later. Return Stronger.”
Neymar joined Al-Hilal on a two-year deal worth around £77.6m plus add-ons in August, leaving Paris Saint-Germain after helping the club to five Ligue 1 titles and three Coupe de France trophies.
His stint in Paris was marred by multiple ankle injuries, and he resumed training in July after a surgical procedure in March.
Neymar holds the distinction of being Brazil’s all-time leading scorer among men, with a total of 79 goals, surpassing Pele’s record.
