Neymar’s 100th Santos Home Game Ends in Tears as Injury Strikes Again

Neymar’s Emotional Injury Setback Mars 100th Santos Home Game

Brazilian superstar Neymar endured another heartbreaking injury setback during Santos’ match against Atletico-MG on Wednesday, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory milestone. The 33-year-old, wearing a special No. 100 jersey to mark his 100th home appearance for his boyhood club, limped off in tears after just 34 minutes with a suspected thigh injury.

[Image: Neymar wiping tears as he leaves the pitch. Caption: Neymar exited in tears after suffering another injury during his 100th home game for Santos.]

The forward had only recently returned from a six-week layoff, making a substitute appearance against Fluminense three days prior. However, he appeared to aggravate the same thigh issue, collapsing to the turf unchallenged before being consoled by opponents, including former Brazil teammate Hulk.

[Image: Hulk comforting a distraught Neymar. Caption: Hulk offered support as Neymar was carted off the field.]

Santos manager César Sampaio admitted concerns post-match: “It’s too early for a diagnosis, but we’re praying it’s not a long-term absence.” The injury adds to Neymar’s extensive history of physical struggles, with Transfermarkt recording this as his 42nd career setback. His recent years have been particularly plagued, including a devastating ACL and meniscus tear in October 2023 that sidelined him for a year.

[Image: Neymar in his No. 100 Santos jersey. Caption: The special kit marked Neymar’s emotional homecoming milestone.]

Since rejoining Santos in 2024, Neymar has managed just eight appearances, barely surpassing his seven-game stint with Al-Hilal following a controversial £77.6m move to Saudi Arabia. While Santos secured a 2-0 victory without him, fans now face an anxious wait to see if their talisman can recover in time to reignite a career increasingly defined by fragility.

Key Details:

• Injury occurred during symbolic 100th home game for Santos
• 42nd career injury, per Transfermarkt
• Missed 12 months after 2023 knee surgery
• Uncertain timeline for return pending scans

The incident underscores the physical toll on one of football’s most gifted yet injury-prone talents, leaving supporters wondering how much longer Neymar can compete at the highest level.

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(Note: For a 650-word version, expand on Neymar’s career trajectory, Santos’ season context, fan reactions, medical analysis of recurring injuries, and comparisons to other injury-plagued stars.)