Neymar’s Al-Hilal Contract Ends Amid Injury Struggles
Brazilian football star Neymar has mutually terminated his contract with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. The 32-year-old joined the club in August 2023 for a record fee of €90m (£77.6m) but only managed to play seven matches due to persistent injuries.
Neymar, still holding the title of the world’s most expensive footballer after his £200m transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, has had limited appearances this season, with his last game being a substitute appearance in November 2024.
Al-Hilal expressed gratitude towards Neymar, saying, “The club thanks Neymar for his contributions and wishes him success in his future endeavors.” Speculation is rife about Neymar’s next move, with a potential return to his former club Santos in Brazil being a strong possibility.
Initially signing a two-year deal worth €150m (£129.2m) annually, Neymar hoped to “write new sporting history” at Al-Hilal. However, his journey was marred by injuries, including an anterior cruciate ligament rupture during a Brazil World Cup qualifier in October 2023.
Before moving to Saudi Arabia, Neymar had an illustrious career. Starting at Santos, he scored 136 goals in 225 matches before moving to Barcelona in 2013, where he won multiple titles. His record-breaking move to PSG in 2017 brought further success, including five league titles. Neymar also became Brazil’s all-time leading male goalscorer in 2023, surpassing Pele.
Despite his recent setbacks, Neymar’s future remains highly anticipated, with fans eager to see what lies ahead for the iconic footballer.
