Neymar's Saudi Saga: Injuries, Astronomical Wages, and an Abrupt Al Hilal Exit

28 Jan 2025 ScoreWaves Staff view

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When Neymar made the shock move to Al Hilal in the summer of 2023, it felt like a seismic shift in football. The Saudi Pro League had flexed its financial muscle, luring global stars with astronomical wages, and Neymar was the crowning jewel.

Signed from Paris Saint-Germain for a staggering €90 million fee, the Brazilian was handed an eye-watering annual salary of €100 million, making him one of the highest-paid players in football history. But just 18 months later, Neymar's Saudi adventure has come to a premature end. He terminated his contract with Al Hilal this January, forfeiting €40 million in wages to sign for his boyhood club Santos.

Injury Struggles and Broken Promises

Neymar arrived in Riyadh amid huge fanfare, hailed as the star who would elevate Al Hilal and the Saudi Pro League to new heights. However, his time at the club was marred by injuries that severely limited his impact. During his first season, a lingering ankle injury sidelined him for months, restricting him to sporadic appearances. By the time he returned to fitness, the rhythm of the team had already been established without him.

The start of the 2024/25 campaign brought fresh optimism, but disaster struck when Neymar tore his ACL in October while on international duty with Brazil. The injury ended his season prematurely and effectively sealed his fate at Al Hilal. The physical toll of multiple surgeries and a career plagued by injuries left him struggling to reach the explosive form that had once made him unplayable at his peak.

Al Hilal’s Success Without Neymar

Ironically, Al Hilal thrived during Neymar’s absence. They dominated the Saudi Pro League, lifted domestic trophies, and performed admirably in continental competitions. Their success raised a harsh truth: Neymar’s presence wasn’t pivotal to their achievements. Other players like Aleksandar Mitrović, Sergej Milinković-Savić, and Ruben Neves stepped up, forming a cohesive unit that delivered results. Neymar’s inability to integrate into this dynamic left him looking like a luxury they didn’t need.

Absurd Wages and Unrealistic Expectations

Neymar’s salary at Al Hilal was nothing short of astronomical, and with such a hefty price tag came enormous expectations. Al Hilal fans and management anticipated weekly performances befitting a player of his caliber—a showman who could single-handedly change games. But injuries, inconsistency, and occasional flashes of brilliance weren’t enough to justify his record-breaking wages.

Off the pitch, Neymar’s larger-than-life lifestyle, often spotlighted on social media, didn’t sit well with everyone. While some embraced his celebrity status, others questioned his commitment to the project in Saudi Arabia. The extravagant wages created a sense of pressure not only on Neymar but also on the club, as his performances (or the lack thereof) never matched the financial investment.

Why the Move Failed

Several factors contributed to Neymar’s failed stint at Al Hilal. Injuries were the most significant hurdle – during his 18-month stint, Neymar was out injured for almost 16 months. After a grueling ACL rehabilitation, Neymar returned to action in late-October. However, just days later, he was sidelined again due to a hamstring injury. In total, Neymar made just seven appearances for Al Hilal in almost 18 months. Remarkably, in 2024 alone, he earned €101 million while playing just 42 minutes. This translates to an astonishing €240,000 earned per minute of on-field action for the Saudi club.

Additionally, the intense heat and cultural differences may have also played a role in his discomfort. Moreover, the project at Al Hilal didn’t align with Neymar’s strengths. While the Brazilian thrives in systems built around his creativity and freedom, Al Hilal’s team-oriented structure required discipline and off-the-ball contributions, areas where Neymar often fell short.

A Homecoming to Santos

Faced with mounting pressure and an injury-riddled tenure, Neymar made the decision to cut his losses. Terminating his Al Hilal contract was a bold move, as he forfeited €40 million in wages to facilitate a return to Santos, the club where his professional journey began. The move back to Brazil has been met with widespread excitement, as Santos fans eagerly await the return of their prodigal son. For Neymar, it’s a chance to rediscover his love for the game and play without the suffocating expectations that have followed him for years.

What’s Next for Neymar?

As Neymar looks to restart his career at Santos, questions remain about his long-term future in football. Injuries have undoubtedly taken their toll, but the Brazilian maestro still has the technical brilliance and vision to shine in a less demanding environment. At 32, Neymar’s return to Santos feels like a full-circle moment – one filled with nostalgia, hope, and the opportunity to write a redemptive chapter in his storied career. Having said that, Neymar is undoubtedly setting his sights on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It will be his final opportunity to chase the ultimate dream of lifting the trophy in Selecão colors – a chance to cap off his legendary international career with the perfect ending.

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