Neymar suffered a grade 2B injury to the rectus femoris muscle in his right thigh during Santos’ match against Palmeiras in the Copa do Brasil on 2 September 2026 at Vila Belmiro. The injury came late
in the first half when he tried to strike the ball while under pressure and he was forced off at half-time. Medical tests carried out by the club in the following days confirmed a partial tear at the myotendinous junction. His recovery is expected to take between four and eight weeks, which could keep the 34-year-old out until late October or early November. Santos confirmed the diagnosis with Neymar set to miss the club’s next run of Brasileirao matches as well as both legs of their Copa Sudamericana quarter-final against Atletico Mineiro.
It is his second grade-2 muscle injury of the year after the calf problem he suffered in May. The latest injury setback also adds to the more than 200 days he has already spent on the sidelines with various injuries since returning to his club from Al-Hilal in January 2025. His absence comes at a difficult time for Santos, who now have to manage a busy period without one of their most important players while fighting for points in the league and trying to progress in continental competition. Neymar remains under contract with Santos until 31 December 2026 and will continue his rehabilitation with the club’s medical staff as the team prepares to cope without him.
🚨BREAKING: Neymar could be OUT for up to TWO MONTHS after suffering a grade 2B thigh injury. 🇧🇷❌ pic.twitter.com/QE1yJG5Nrp
— Kalshi Sports (@KalshiSports) September 5, 2026
Neymar Yet to Decide Future as Santos Contract Nears Expiry
Neymar is currently playing for Santos FC in Brazil’s Serie A and continental competitions, with his contract running until 31 December 2026. He returned to the club in January 2025 and later extended his deal through the end of this year. Neymar has also publicly said that he wants to honour the full contract before making a decision on his future. There has been interest in him from Inter Miami. FC Cincinnati also held early talks with Neymar’s representatives in spring 2026, but the discussions never progressed to a formal offer. Neymar eventually pulled out of the process after becoming frustrated with how slowly things were moving.
There has also been speculation about a possible move to Inter Miami, which would give Neymar the chance to reunite with Lionel Messi. However, no deal has been confirmed and there have been no reports of formal negotiations between Neymar and the club. However his fitness problems have repeatedly limited his availability this year with the latest thigh injury now expected to keep him out for up to two months. His Brazilian contract is set to expire at the end of December and Neymar has not completely closed the door on any possibility. He could remain at Santos, move to different clubs, including potentially move to MLS
