Neymar's COVID-19 Diagnosis Hits Santos at a Critical Moment
Neymar testing positive for COVID-19 is the latest chapter in a rough season for both the player and Santos FC. The Brazilian star, now 33, started showing symptoms on Thursday, and tests quickly confirmed he had the virus. The club didn't waste any time—he was pulled from all activities and sent into isolation so he wouldn't risk teammates or staff. It's another obstacle in a year that hasn't exactly gone Neymar's way since his return to Santos in January.
Ironically, even without the COVID-19 diagnosis, Neymar wasn't going to take the field for Santos against Fortaleza. He picked up a red card in a previous match, so he was suspended regardless. But now his health is also a concern, with club doctors keeping a close eye on him as he quarantines at home. Santos hasn't shared when he might be back to training or playing, and that just adds to the uncertainty swirling around him right now.
Injuries, Missed Matches, and Contract Doubts Plague Neymar's Return
The timing of this positive COVID test throws the spotlight back on Neymar's difficult year. Since coming back to Santos earlier this season, he hasn't managed to get any sort of rhythm going. Muscle injuries have kept him from featuring regularly, and even when he's made it onto the pitch, he's struggled to string games together. In total, he's managed just 12 appearances across all competitions so far, with three goals and three assists—numbers far below what fans were hoping for when he signed again for the club.
The immediate future is now even murkier. Santos faces Fortaleza this weekend, but then the squad gets a break for nearly a month, thanks to the Club World Cup in the United States interrupting domestic fixtures. If Neymar recovers in time, his next chance to feature will be against Palmeiras when the league resumes. But with his contract set to expire on June 30, there are big questions about how much more we'll see of him at Santos. The club hasn't made any announcements regarding an extension or renewal, fueling speculation about a possible move away or even a new chapter outside Brazil entirely.
Behind the scenes, club officials are handling Neymar's COVID-19 case cautiously, monitoring his health day by day while he remains in home quarantine. There’s been no official word on whether the illness might delay his recovery from other ongoing injuries, or if it will affect his longer-term fitness. For now, fans and teammates alike are left waiting—for both updates on his health and on whether one of Brazil's favorite sons will stick around for another season after such a trying comeback.