Brazil superstar Neymar calls for support ahead of ACL surgery

Neymar has called on his family and friends for support as he prepares to undergo surgery after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee while playing for Brazil.

The attacker, 31, was carried from the pitch on a stretcher during Tuesday's 2-0 defeat to Uruguay.

He fell during a run in the 44th minute at the Centenario Stadium and was immediately surrounded by players from both teams as he held his knee.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the heartbroken Al-Hilal star said: "It's a very sad moment, the worst. I know I'm strong but this time I'm going to need my family and friends even more. 

"It's not easy to go through injury and surgery. Imagine going through it all again after four months of recovery. 

"I have faith, too much… but I place the strength in God's hands so that he can renew mine. Thank you for the messages of support and affection."

In a statement released last night, the Brazilian Football Confederation said: "Neymar, of the Brazilian team and Al-Hilal from Saudi Arabia, underwent clinical and imaging tests this Wednesday, which confirmed the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee.

"The striker will undergo a surgical procedure, on a date yet to be defined, to correct the injuries. 

"The Brazilian national team's medical department, under the supervision of Dr Rodrigo Lasmar and Al-Hilal, are in permanent contact and aligned in the player's recovery."

Having recently recovered from an ankle problem, Neymar was also hit by a bag of popcorn thrown by a supporter following Brazil's disappointing 1-1 home draw with Venezuela last week. 

Responding to criticism of that performance, he said: "I don't come here on vacation. I came to do what I love most, which is to play football and defend my country. 

"Obviously, we are there doing our best, giving our best, and often the result doesn't come."