Neymar, the renowned Brazilian footballer, has parted ways with Al Hilal following a mutual agreement to terminate his contract. At 32, Neymar is set to return to his roots at Santos, the club where he initially rose to fame. This move comes after a challenging stint at Al Hilal, marked by limited game time and injury setbacks.
Neymar made headlines in August 2023 when he transferred to Al Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a reported fee of approximately 90 million euros ($98m). Despite the high expectations accompanying his arrival, Neymar managed to play only seven games for the Saudi Arabian club. His tenure was marred by a knee injury sustained during Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023, hindering his ability to perform at his peak.
Al Hilal confirmed the termination of Neymar's contract, emphasizing the mutual nature of the decision.
"Al Hilal and Neymar Jr. have agreed to terminate the player’s contract by mutual consent." – Al Hilal
Despite the setback, Neymar's legacy in football remains impressive. He still holds the record for the highest transfer fee in football history, having moved from Barcelona to PSG for 222 million euros ($232m) in August 2017. Moreover, Neymar's contributions to the Brazilian national team are noteworthy, as he is the country's all-time top scorer with 79 goals.
Neymar's return to Santos marks a significant moment in his career. Having left Santos in 2013 to join Barcelona, this homecoming offers a chance for the forward to rekindle his early successes and perhaps find new inspiration in familiar surroundings. The decision to return comes as he continues to recover from his injury and aims to regain his form.
