Neymar looks unrecognisable as Barcelona hero sports new look after ACL surgery

Neymar looks almost unrecognisable after adopting a new look as he continues his recovery from ACL surgery. The Brazilian star, known just as well for his appearance off the pitch as his performances on it, shared a picture of himself sporting a shaved head and moustache to his social media channels on Monday.

Over the years, Neymar has adopted some very creative hairstyles including mohawks, dreds and even a mullet. But his new look has taken fans by surprise, particularly the moustache. 

One fan wrote: “Neymar please delete the story and your moustache.” A second said: “I just came across Neymar’s new look…look at the moustache…”

Neymar is facing a lengthy lay-off after rupturing his ACL and suffering a meniscus tear in his knee during a World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay last month. The injury came just two months after he completed his £78.5million move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal from PSG.

Al Hilal posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, at the time: “The medical tests ‘NEYMAR’ underwent, confirmed the Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Meniscus tear injury in his knee, he will be going through surgery and then a treatment program that will be determined later… Return Stronger @neymarjr #AlHilal.”

Neymar has been plagued by injuries throughout his career but this looks to be the most serious to date. The average recovery time after surgery for a ruptured ACL is between six and nine months – and that is providing everything goes to plan.

Neymar is now in a race against time to be back fit for Brazil’s Copa America campaign in June 2024 while Saudi Arabian outlet Arriyadiyah claims Al-Hilal are planning to temporarily suspend his Saudi Pro League (SPL) registration due to the injury. 

The report goes on to claim Al-Hilal manager Jorge Jesus is looking to reinforce his squad in the January transfer window, and with SPL clubs restricted to registering eight non-Saudi players per team, Neymar could get the chop even if he is able to return before the end of the season.