Neymar’s Saudi Arabia spell has come to an end (Image: Getty)
It’s been a horror spell in Saudi Arabia for the world’s most expensive player Neymar.
The Brazilian left Paris Saint-Germain – who he’d moved to for a world-record £200million in 2017 – to join the Saudi Pro League project during the summer 2023 transfer window.
Clubs in the Saudi Pro League splashed over £780m on transfers that summer, with Neymar’s £80m move to Al-Hilal the most expensive among them.
The former Barcelona ace was reported to be pocketing £138m a year in wages – an astronomical figure that equates to £2.5m each week.
But just under 18 months later and his move to the Middle East has fallen flat on its face.
Al-Hilal announced they’d mutually agreed to terminate Neymar’s contract with six months left to run.
That’s despite Neymar having played just seven matches during his time in the Saudi Pro League – a return of just over £11million per appearance.
During his brief stint with Al-Hilal, Neymar managed to score just one goal, while providing an equally pitiful three assists.
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Neymar played just seven times for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal (Image: Getty)
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His woes are largely explained by the ACL injury he picked up while playing for Brazil in October 2023, with Neymar going on to miss the 2024 Copa America as a result.
Neymar did return to action a year later in October 2024, but was dealt another blow when a hamstring injury sustained in his second game back against Esteghlal FC ruled him out of action for another six weeks.
It proved the final match of his Al-Hilal career, with Neymar’s sorry Saudi spell having since come to an end.
Writing in a statement, the Saudi club said: “The club expresses its thanks and appreciation to Neymar for what he has provided throughout his career with Al Hilal and wish the player success in his career.”
Neymar followed it up with words of his own, saying: “To Saudi. Thank you for giving me and my family a new home and new experiences. I now know the real Saudi and have friends for life. I always felt your love and passion for the game. I will be following your journey ahead as a club and a country towards 2034 (World Cup).
“Your future will be incredible. Special things are happening and I will always support you!”
Neymar is on the verge of a return to Santos – the club he started his career with back in 2009.
The 32-year-old has made 591 career appearances, scored 360 goals, made 220 assists and was part of Barcelona’s 2015 Treble-winning team.