In a surprising turn of events, Brazilian soccer superstar Neymar has ended his contract with Al-Hilal, a Saudi Arabian club, by mutual agreement. This decision marks a significant moment in Neymar’s career, as he faced numerous challenges during his short time in Saudi Arabia. The player and the club reached this agreement on Monday, just 17 months after he made the move from Paris Saint-Germain.
Neymar’s Struggles at Al-Hilal
When Neymar joined Al-Hilal in August 2023, there were high hopes for what he could bring to the team. However, his time in the Middle East was marred by injuries that limited his playing time. In total, he made only seven appearances and scored just one goal. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending ACL injury, followed by a hamstring issue, which significantly impacted his ability to contribute on the field.
Goodbye to Al-Hilal
- Neymar’s contract was announced to have been terminated by mutual consent on Monday.
- The 32-year-old played a mere seven games, scoring one goal and assisting twice.
- His injuries, including a serious ACL tear, led to a disappointing stint in the league.
- Despite these challenges, Al-Hilal achieved success by winning the Saudi league last season.
Returning Home to Santos?
After leaving Al-Hilal, Neymar is now eyeing a return to his first professional club, Santos. Reports suggest that he is set to sign a six-month contract with the Brazilian team, featuring an option for an additional year. This potential move is exciting not just for Neymar, but also for the Santos fans who remember his outstanding contributions during his first stint with the team.
What Neymar Leaves Behind
Throughout his time with Al-Hilal, Neymar earned a significant salary, making headlines with his multi-million dollar contract. However, due to this recent transition, he is expected to forfeit between $25 million to $30 million from his remaining salary. Reflecting on his experience, Neymar expressed gratitude for the friendships formed and the unique experiences he had while playing in Saudi Arabia.
The Road Ahead
Neymar’s career path has been filled with ups and downs, from achieving remarkable success at Barcelona to facing tough challenges at PSG and now Al-Hilal. As he looks to reignite his passion for the game at Santos, he aims to regain his form and prepare for future international competitions, including the 2026 World Cup. Also, he holds the record as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, a testament to his incredible talent and contribution to the sport.
Looking Back at His Career
| Team | Years Active | Titles Won |
|---|---|---|
| Santos | 2009-2013 | 6 |
| Barcelona | 2013-2017 | Multiple |
| PSG | 2017-2023 | Numerous |
| Al-Hilal | 2023 | 1 |
As the soccer community watches closely, all eyes will be on Neymar as he embarks on this next chapter of his career at Santos. His journey through different leagues, countries, and challenges reflects not just the highs of fame but also the resilience required to forge ahead, something that many young athletes can admire.