Brazilian star Neymar and Al-Hilal mutually ended their contract after an injury-plagued 18-month stint. Neymar played only seven matches due to severe injuries, including a ruptured ligament. Despite setbacks, he aims for the 2026 World Cup, with a potential return to boyhood club Santos marking his next career chapter.
Brazilian football star Neymar has officially parted ways with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal after an injury-marred 18-month tenure. The club announced on Monday that the contract was terminated by mutual agreement, thanking Neymar for his contributions and wishing him success in his future endeavors.
Neymar’s time at Al-Hilal was hampered by persistent injuries, restricting the 32-year-old to just seven appearances since his high-profile move in August 2023, which reportedly earned him $104 million annually. His stint in Saudi Arabia began with promise but was derailed by a serious knee injury during a World Cup qualifier for Brazil in October 2023.
After a year-long recovery, Neymar briefly returned to the field late in 2024 but suffered another setback with a hamstring injury. Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus recently expressed concerns about Neymar’s ability to perform at his previous level.
Despite these challenges, Neymar remains determined to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling it his “last shot” at the tournament. Rumors suggest that he may return to Brazil to rejoin Santos, the club where his remarkable career began.
Neymar, who holds Brazil’s all-time scoring record with 79 goals in 127 matches, once represented the future of Brazilian football. From his early success at Santos to record-breaking transfers to Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, his career has been a mix of brilliance and setbacks. A potential return to Santos could mark the final chapter of his storied journey.
