Saudi giants Al-Hilal officially confirmed the departure of Brazilian superstar Neymar from their squad. Both parties mutually agreed to terminate his contract, ending his challenging stint in Saudi Arabia.
Neymar’s Struggles with Injuries in Saudi Arabia
Neymar joined Al-Hilal in August 2023 from Paris Saint-Germain for a reported €90 million. However, injuries severely limited his impact, restricting him to just seven appearances, one goal, and two assists. A devastating ACL injury during a World Cup qualifier in October 2023 sidelined him for over a year, hampering his performance.
In a heartfelt statement, Al-Hilal expressed gratitude for Neymar’s efforts and wished him success in his future endeavors. The club now plans to reallocate resources for new signings, with high-profile targets like Mohamed Salah on their radar.
Full club statement 🔹 pic.twitter.com/oxOrPUereF
— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) January 27, 2025
Neymar is widely expected to return to his boyhood club, Santos, where he began his illustrious career. Brazilian media reports suggest a six-month deal, sparking excitement among fans. Santos executives welcomed the possibility but denied rumors of Neymar purchasing the club’s football department.
Neymar’s Record-Breaking Career
Neymar remains the most expensive player in football history, following his €220 million ($230 million) transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. Despite recent struggles, he holds the record as Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals.
Neymar’s career has been a mix of record-breaking transfers and injury setbacks. After scoring 107 goals in 177 appearances for Santos, he joined Barcelona in 2013. There, he formed a formidable trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, winning the Champions League in 2015.
Olympic Glory and PSG Stint
In 2016, Neymar scored the winning penalty as Brazil claimed Olympic gold in Rio. His move to PSG in 2017 brought five Ligue 1 titles and a Champions League final appearance in 2020, though they lost to Bayern Munich.
PSG reunited Neymar with Messi in 2021, but the trio, including Kylian Mbappe, struggled to gel due to personal rivalries. This led to Neymar’s eventual exit and move to Al-Hilal in 2023.
Neymar’s departure from Al-Hilal marks a pivotal moment in his career. Whether he returns to Santos or explores new opportunities, his journey continues to captivate football fans worldwide.
As Neymar prepares for the 2026 World Cup, his focus will be on regaining peak form. His story remains one of resilience, talent, and an unyielding passion for the game.