After a successful six-year stint with Paris St Germain, Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, known as Neymar Júnior or mononymously as Neymar, has embarked on a fresh journey, signing a two-year contract with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal. The Brazilian forward’s time with PSG yielded multiple domestic trophies but not the coveted Champions League title the club aspired for.
Although precise financial details were undisclosed on Tuesday, the transfer fee is reportedly around 90 million euros ($98.24 million), with potential add-ons, contingent upon a medical examination for the 31-year-old. French publication L’Equipe indicated that Neymar’s earnings from the deal could reach 160 million euros.
In an announcement by Saudi Professional League (SPL) side Al-Hilal, Neymar committed to a contract extension until 2025, expressing his enthusiasm through a video on the team’s social media platforms. “I am here in Saudi Arabia, I am Hilali,” Neymar proclaimed.
Reflecting on his decision, Neymar remarked, “I have achieved a lot in Europe and enjoyed special times, but I have always wanted to be a global player and test myself with new challenges and opportunities in new places.” Signing the contract in Paris on Tuesday, he added, “I want to write new sporting history, and the Saudi Pro League has tremendous energy and quality players at the moment. I have heard a lot and learned that I am following a long list of Brazilian players who have played in Saudi Arabia over the years, so I believe it is the desired place. I love winning and scoring goals, and I plan to continue doing that in Saudi Arabia and with Al-Hilal.”
Neymar’s journey thus far saw him join PSG from Barcelona in 2017 for a world record fee of 222 million euros. Amid his tenure at PSG, he netted 118 goals in 173 appearances and clinched numerous accolades, including five Ligue 1 titles.
While Neymar attained Champions League glory with Barcelona in 2015, his quest for this prestigious title continued at PSG, culminating in a runners-up medal during the 2020 final, where his team lost to Bayern Munich.
Acknowledging Neymar’s departure, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi stated, “It is inevitably difficult to say goodbye to a club legend, which Neymar will always be. I will never forget the day he arrived at Paris Saint-Germain, nor what he has brought to our club and our project over the last six years. We’ve had some extraordinary moments, and Neymar will always be part of our history. I would like to thank him and his family.”
With a rich history of 66 trophies and a strong legacy in Saudi Arabia and Asia, Al-Hilal seeks to fortify its squad further. This move comes in the wake of the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s announcement of an investment and privatisation initiative for sports clubs, encompassing league champions Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr, and Al-Hilal.
The Saudi Pro League has kick-started its season after making substantial investments to attract a multitude of top-tier players and coaches from European clubs. Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portugal forward, joined Al-Nassr last season, becoming the highest-paid athlete globally. French striker Karim Benzema moved to Al-Ittihad from Real Madrid, while Al-Ahli secured the signatures of UEFA Champions League victors Riyad Mahrez, Edouard Mendy, and Roberto Firmino.
Although Al-Hilal had pursued Neymar’s former teammates Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi, the Argentine chose Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami as his destination. As Neymar embraces his new chapter with Al-Hilal, his presence is set to influence the Saudi football landscape while contributing to the club’s ambition of continued success.
