Neymar's first start for Santos ends in tears | OneFootball

Santos striker Neymar exited the pitch in tears after sustaining a leg injury just 34 minutes into his first starting appearance of the Brazilian Serie A season.

The 33-year-old, making his comeback after a six-week layoff due to a thigh issue, started Wednesday’s match against Atletico-MG following his return against Fluminense on Sunday.

Wearing a commemorative number 100 jersey to mark his 100th match at Santos' Vila Belmiro stadium, the ex-Barcelona star hoped for a celebratory evening.

However, after signaling to the sidelines shortly after Alvaro Barreal scored to make it 2-0 for the home side, Neymar sat down on the grass, awaiting the medical team.

He was quickly ruled out from continuing and was visibly distressed as he was carted off on a buggy, clutching the same left thigh that had sidelined him previously.

Team-mates gathered around to comfort him, along with Atletico-MG striker and fellow Brazil veteran Hulk.

"It's still too early to give any definitive answer, we don't have a diagnosis yet," said Santos manager Cesar Sampaio.

"Now we really have to pray that it's not something that will keep him out for a long time."

Since rejoining Santos from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, the former PSG attacker has played eight matches and netted three goals.

Neymar, Brazil’s all-time top scorer, hasn’t featured for the national squad since October 2023, when he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament. Though he was called up for Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers against Argentina and Colombia, an injury ruled him out of participation.