Brazilian icon Neymar Jr. has tested positive for COVID‑19, according to an official statement from his current club, Santos FC . At 33, this marks yet another setback in a season already marred by injuries and fitness issues.
Neymar reportedly began showing symptoms on Thursday, June 5, 2025, and was promptly removed from training .
Confirmed positive following medical testing on Saturday, June 7 .
He has been placed in home isolation under medical supervision, receiving symptomatic treatment .
Santos has not given a projection for his return. He will miss at least their next scheduled league match – originally a suspension, but the illness compounds his absence .
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⏳ Timing & Contract Context
Santos’ next fixture will be their last before a break in the Brazilian Serie A, due to the FIFA Club World Cup, running June 14 to July 13 in the United States .
Neymar’s contract expires just weeks later on June 30, meaning he enters his final weeks without match fitness and amid uncertainty .
Even before the COVID‑19 diagnosis, his season was already limited to 12 appearances, with 3 goals and 3 assists .
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🏥 Health & Isolation
Neymar was symptomatic by Thursday, June 5, prompting his withdrawal from all training .
1772-0He’s been under home quarantine since, receiving close medical attention .
His illness compounds a season already heavily affected by injuries—most notably a left thigh injury in April .
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🕵️♂️ Career Timeline & Form
1. Return to Santos: Neymar made his second debut for Santos in February 2025, scoring and assisting in multiple matches .
2. Season Stats: 12 matches, 3 goals and 3 assists, but significant time off the pitch due to fitness setbacks .
3. International Absence: Out of the Brazil squad since October 2023 ACL injury, adding weight to his comeback goals but also raising physical risk concerns .
4. COVID‑19 History: This isn’t his first battle; he previously tested positive while at PSG in September 2020, though the recovery then was relatively swift .
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🤕 What This Means for Santos & Neymar
For Santos:
Losing Neymar further strains an already injury-loaded squad and will force them to adjust mid-season just before a crucial tournament break.
His absence also creates uncertainty around Santos’ strategy heading into the Club World Cup without their marquee player.
For Neymar:
This setback coincides with critical contract negotiations, ending June 30. Questions loom:
Will Santos offer an extension after this troubled season?
Could injuries and now illness hamper potential interest from European clubs?
His aspirations for a 2026 World Cup comeback also face fresh doubts; consistent game time and a clean bill of health will be essential.
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🌐 Fan Reaction & Media Commentary
Goal.com noted he will be “ruled out yet again,” underscoring the frustration of repeated absences from training and matches .
Spanish outlet AS emphasized the uncertainty as his contract end looms, remarking on his “marejada de desgracias e incógnitas” (“wave of misfortunes and questions”) .
The sentiment is consistent across media: another health blow at a pivotal season’s end, raising serious questions about his career trajectory and physical resilience.
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🧭 What Comes Next
To monitor Neymar’s situation:
Testing & Recovery: Watch for updates on COVID‑19 retesting following typical 7–10 day isolation guidelines.
Return Timelines: Track any statements from Santos’s medical team or Atlético management.
Contract Developments: Whether Santos exercises or renews his contract—or if Neymar explores new options—will be major talking points.
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📝 Key Takeaways
Aspect Details
Diagnosis June 5 symptomatic → positive test around June 7
Impact Withdrawal from team training, isolation at home
Contract Expires June 30; renewal prospects uncertain
Performance 12 games, 3 goals/3 assists; fitness issues persist
Fan Response Mixed sympathy and frustration at recurring absences
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📌 Bottom Line
Neymar Jr.’s COVID‑19 diagnosis arrives at a volatile point—his contract nears expiration, fitness remains a concern, and expectations for his return to form hang in the balance. For Santos, it means recalibrating ahead of t
he Club World Cup, while Neymar must navigate a health setback that could define his next career chapter.
