Instead, it’s ended in disappointment. After just seven appearances, one goal, and a season-ending ACL injury, Neymar and Al Hilal have officially parted ways by mutual consent.
From Superstar Signing to Expensive Spectator
When Neymar landed in Riyadh, fans expected magic. He was supposed to be the face of the Saudi football revolution, the player who would make the Pro League must-watch TV. Instead? A nightmare season.
After a few underwhelming performances, Neymar finally scored his first (and only) goal for Al Hilal. But before he could build any momentum, he tore his ACL in October while on international duty with Brazil, ruling him out for the entire season. With that, his time in Saudi Arabia was effectively over before it even began.
The Harsh Reality: Al Hilal Didn’t Need Him
Here’s where it gets interesting; Al Hilal thrived without Neymar. Actually, they dominated. With Aleksandar Mitrović, Malcom, and Sergej Milinković-Savić leading the charge, Al Hilal remained top of the league and unbeaten in domestic play. Fans started to ask the obvious question: Was Neymar ever really necessary? For $107 million a year, the expectation was superstardom—not brand deals and Instagram posts.
What’s Next for Neymar?
Now that he’s a free agent, speculation is running wild. Where does he go from here?
- Inter Miami – A Messi reunion in MLS sounds dreamy, but can they afford him?
- Barcelona – Nostalgic, but unlikely given Barça’s financial struggles.
- Premier League – The physicality and intensity? Given Neymar’s injury history, it’s a massive risk.
For now, Neymar’s next move remains a mystery. Will he make a comeback, or will this be yet another case of big money, big hype, and an even bigger disappointment? One thing’s for sure; the Neymar saga is far from over.
