Neymar Junior suffered an ACL injury during Brazil’s match against Uruguay on Tuesday. He then posted a statement on Instagram. During a harsh tackle from Nicolas de la Cruz, the Al-Hilal striker fell down holding his knee during Brazil’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay. He had to be carried from the Centenario Stadium in a stretcher as he was so distraught and sobbing.
It has officially been announced by Saudi Arabia that Neymar has damaged both his meniscus and ACL in his left knee. He is going to have surgery and will likely be sidelined for several months.
The star player from Brazil expressed his sadness after the defeat on Instagram on Wednesday as he said, “It’s a very sad moment, the worst. I know I’m strong, but this time, I’m going to need my friends (family and friends) even more. It’s not easy to go through injury and surgery. Imagine going through it all again after 4 months of recovery.”
The Brazilian forward added, “I have faith, even too much … But I place my strength in God’s hands so that he can renew mine. Thank you for the messages of support and affection.”
Fans, commentators, and other players have shown Neymar a lot of support following his last serious knee setback on Tuesday. His old buddy and teammate Lionel Messi was among the players to send the Brazilian a message of support.
Messi posted a story on Instagram featuring a photo of the two players. He published it with the caption, “Stay stronger”
Lionel Messi and Neymar JR.’s wholesome friendship
At Barcelona as well as Paris Saint-Germain, Messi and Neymar played together on the pitch and are close friends. They initially teamed up in 2013 following the 31-year-old’s transfer.
Together, they scored 56 goals in 156 appearances for the Spanish team until Neymar joined PSG in 2017 at a then-record €222 million. Lionel Messi accompanied Neymar JR. at PSG following his transfer in 2021. Across 45 appearances across all competitions, the two scored 11 goals together.
Fans react as Neymar Jr. discusses his ACL injury; Misses out on Mumbai visit in November: –
?????? Neymar: “It’s very sad moment, the worst of my life”.
“I know I’m strong… but this time I need support of my family and my friends”.
“It’s not easy to get injured, undergo surgery and then… do it again just four months later.
I have faith, I leave it in God’s hands”. pic.twitter.com/CvyaEl5UP7
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 19, 2023
You have to feel for Neymar with these re-occurring injuries, Man just wants to entertain fans with his style-of-play, something only few players offer today.
Hope he passes through this without thinking of hanging his boots. We haven't even recovered from Eden Hazard's. ???? pic.twitter.com/AdBs8aOInh
— Gidi (@CFC_Gidi) October 19, 2023
Normally, dribblers don’t do 10 years at the top because of their style of play, Even Ronaldo had to change his style
That’s why I don’t understand Messi and how God created him
I wish him a quick recovery in this difficult time pic.twitter.com/CHWDDHDID2
— Cheks (@iamchekzi) October 19, 2023
Neymar when he's needed
He should retire pic.twitter.com/zaTIOBlwBU
— BlueForever (@BlueForever011) October 19, 2023
You'll come back strong, Neymar Jr ?? pic.twitter.com/0wmVWzB3ye
— Mèo FINANCE (@MeoFinance) October 19, 2023
He’ll be stronger back! ???? pic.twitter.com/kItDvCiNrQ
— RMFC (@TeamRMFC) October 19, 2023
It's really sad to see Neymar like this! One of the best of our generation in footballing abilities ruined by poor decision making! He would have definitely won a ballon d'or by now if he had stayed in Barca
— 90MinFoot (@90minfoot_euro) October 19, 2023
?It's really unpleasant that injury had ruined almost everything for Neymar Jr. I could imagine the pain he might be going through and having to undergo several surgeries. I do really hope he comes back better. ?#Neymar pic.twitter.com/m1b5ciQQoQ
— Engr Chima Kingsley (@EngrChimaKings1) October 19, 2023
Sad to see next balon Do’r winner in such state pic.twitter.com/1T56yhCawI
— One Blood ?? ?? (@_lacyblood) October 19, 2023
Check the injury ???????? pic.twitter.com/eNJhFY75Ed
— BABA VOSS (@babishaaq) October 19, 2023
Sending all my love to Neymar! ?? Stay strong, you've got a world of fans rooting for your recovery
— Bryan Travis Jr. (@Travi94243Jr) October 19, 2023
Sending all my love to Neymar! ?? Stay strong, you've got a world of fans rooting for your recovery
— Bryan Travis Jr. (@Travi94243Jr) October 19, 2023
