Neymar’s extravagant but ultimately underwhelming stint at Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal has come to an end, marking a curious chapter in the Brazilian superstar’s career. Despite earning a staggering £200 million over 18 months, his contribution on the pitch was minimal, yielding just a single goal in seven appearances. A combination of injuries, including a ruptured ACL and a hamstring issue, severely hampered his playing time, leaving Al-Hilal with a hefty bill for a player who rarely graced the field. The club officially terminated Neymar’s contract by mutual consent, acknowledging the player’s diminished capacity to meet the physical demands of professional football.
The financial details of Neymar’s Saudi adventure are eye-watering. His two-year contract, signed after a £78 million transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, guaranteed him an annual salary of £129.2 million. This translates to a weekly wage of £2.5 million. When combined with his transfer fee, Al-Hilal’s investment in Neymar totals £271 million, effectively costing them £38.7 million for each of his seven appearances. Even with a 15% reduction in his remaining salary, negotiated upon his departure, Neymar will still receive a substantial £51.9 million, pushing the cost of his solitary goal beyond £322 million. Beyond his club earnings, Neymar also benefited from an impressive £136 million in commercial income during his time in Saudi Arabia.
Neymar’s single goal in the Saudi Pro League represents a stark contrast to his prolific career elsewhere. Known for his dazzling skills and goal-scoring prowess, his time in Saudi Arabia was plagued by injury setbacks, limiting his ability to showcase his talents. The abrupt end to his Al-Hilal contract, coupled with the club’s candid assessment of his physical condition, raises questions about the future trajectory of Neymar’s career.
Al-Hilal’s terse statement announcing Neymar’s departure offered little insight into the circumstances surrounding the decision, simply expressing gratitude for his contributions and wishing him well in his future endeavors. However, manager Jorge Jesus’s comments shed light on the club’s perspective, stating that Neymar could no longer perform at the expected level and that his situation had become difficult. These remarks suggest that the club, despite the significant financial investment, recognized that Neymar’s physical limitations made his continued presence unsustainable.
Neymar himself acknowledged the disappointing nature of his time in Saudi Arabia, expressing gratitude to the club, fans, and the country for the experience while lamenting the lack of on-field success. He expressed his fondness for the Saudi people and culture, emphasizing the positive relationships he forged during his stay. He also expressed his continued support for the country’s ambitious vision for football, particularly its aspirations for the 2034 World Cup.
Looking ahead, Neymar is poised for a return to his roots, with reports suggesting he is close to signing a deal with his boyhood club Santos in Brazil. This move offers him a chance to reignite his career in a familiar environment, closer to his home and family. While his time in Saudi Arabia may be viewed as a financial windfall but a sporting disappointment, the next chapter of Neymar’s career holds the potential for redemption. He will be hoping to regain his form and prove that he can still perform at the highest level, putting his injury woes behind him. Only time will tell whether he can recapture the magic that once made him one of the most exciting players in the world.