After playing just seven games in Saudi Arabia, Neymar announced on social media that he is officially leaving Al-Hilal, a club where injuries prevented him from making an impact.
A High-Profile Signing Turned Costly Investment
What once seemed like one of the most significant signings in football has now become one of the sport’s worst investments. Yesterday, Neymar Jr. confirmed his departure from Al-Hilal, the Saudi club that paid €90 million for him in August 2023. However, he managed to play only seven matches before injuries derailed his stint in Saudi Arabia.
Neymar’s Farewell Message
On social media, Neymar expressed his gratitude to the club, the fans, and the country while also lamenting his inability to play more matches.
“To everyone at Al Hilal, to the fans: Thank you! I gave everything to play, and I wish we could have shared more moments together on the pitch. To Saudi Arabia, thank you for giving me and my family a new home and new experiences. Now, I truly know the Saudi people and have made lifelong friends. I always felt your love and passion for the game. I will follow your journey as a club and as a country towards 2034. Your future will be incredible, and special things are happening. I will always support you!”
A Spell Marked by Injuries
Neymar’s lack of playing time was due to injuries that kept him from performing at the level that once made him one of the world’s best players with Barcelona, where he played 225 matches and scored 132 goals.
When Al-Hilal signed him, Neymar was still recovering from ankle surgery. He then suffered muscle issues that kept him sidelined, only to later sustain a devastating ACL tear, effectively ending his time at the club for over a year.
A Return to Brazil?
Now, strong rumors suggest that Neymar’s next destination could be a return to his boyhood club, Santos FC, in Brazil.
