Neymar’s contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal has been terminated by mutual consent, the club announced. The 32-year-old Brazilian forward, who joined the team in August 2023 for €90 million (£77.6 million), struggled with injuries during his time in Saudi Arabia, managing only seven appearances for the club.
Despite still holding the record for the most expensive football transfer after his £200 million move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, Neymar’s contributions to Al-Hilal were limited. This season, he made just two appearances, with his last coming as a substitute in November.
Club Statement and Possible Return to Santos
In their farewell message, Al-Hilal expressed gratitude to Neymar for his time at the club. “The club expresses its thanks and appreciation to Neymar for what he has provided throughout his career at Al-Hilal and wishes him success in his future endeavors,” the statement read.
Reports suggest Neymar could return to his boyhood club, Santos, where he first made his name as a global star.
Injuries and Limited Impact
Neymar joined Al-Hilal on a two-year deal with an annual salary of €150 million (£129.2 million), saying he wanted to “write new sporting history.” However, injuries derailed his plans. He ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament while playing for Brazil in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023, which sidelined him for an extended period.
Although he returned to action a year later, Neymar experienced another setback with an apparent hamstring issue in his second match back. He has not played since.
A Glittering Career, Despite Challenges
Neymar’s career began at Santos, where he scored an impressive 136 goals in 225 games. His dazzling performances earned him a move to Barcelona in 2013. During four successful seasons in Spain, he won two La Liga titles, the Champions League, and the Club World Cup.
In 2017, Neymar made headlines with his record-breaking transfer to PSG, where he won five Ligue 1 titles across six seasons. Shortly after his move to Saudi Arabia, Neymar overtook Pele to become Brazil’s all-time leading male scorer with 78 international goals. However, his national team appearances have been limited since his knee injury in 2023.
What’s Next for Neymar?
With seven months left on his Al-Hilal contract, Neymar’s departure marks the end of a challenging chapter in his career. As speculation about his return to Santos grows, fans are left wondering whether Neymar can rediscover his best form and add to his legacy in the game.
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