In the realm of football, few names resonate as loudly as Neymar’s. The Brazilian superstar, known for his dazzling skills and knack for the spectacular, has long been a fixture in the sport’s spotlight. However, since his high-profile move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal in August 2023, Neymar’s star has dimmed considerably, with injuries and setbacks plaguing his time in the Middle East.
A Brief Glimmer of Hope
On November 4th, fans caught a fleeting glimpse of the Neymar they knew and loved. Coming off the bench in an AFC Champions League match against Iran’s Esteghlal, the 32-year-old exhibited flashes of his trademark flair, delighting the Riyadh crowd with sombrero flicks and mesmerizing step-overs. For a moment, it seemed as though the Neymar of old had returned.
Yet, just 30 minutes into his cameo, disaster struck. A slight stretch for the ball in the penalty area, and Neymar was down, clutching his leg in pain. His second appearance since returning from a 12-month injury layoff had come to a premature end, with another injury rearing its ugly head.
A Positive Spin, but Concerns Linger
Despite the setback, Neymar remained optimistic. In a post on social media, he downplayed the severity of the injury, chalking it up to the natural challenges of returning from a lengthy absence.
Hopefully nothing too much … It’s normal that after one year [out] this happens, the doctors had already warned me, so I have to be careful and play more minutes.
– Neymar, via social media
However, Al-Hilal manager Jorge Jesus struck a more cautious tone, hinting at the potential complexity of the injury.
Unfortunately it’s not a simple injury and he seems to be suffering from muscle pain and it is not a knee issue.
– Jorge Jesus, Al-Hilal manager
The club has predicted a four-to-six week absence for their star player, but given Neymar’s injury history, concerns linger about his long-term fitness and future with Al-Hilal.
Al-Hilal’s Success, With or Without Neymar
Interestingly, despite Neymar’s limited contributions, Al-Hilal has continued to thrive. The club, widely regarded as the most successful in Saudi Arabia and Asia, has maintained its winning ways, even in the absence of their high-profile signing.
Last season, Al-Hilal embarked on a world-record winning streak of 34 games, effortlessly claiming the league title. This season, too, the Blues have been in imperious form, winning 15 of their first 16 matches across all competitions. They currently sit atop both the Saudi Pro League table and their AFC Champions League group.
This raises an intriguing question: does Al-Hilal truly need Neymar? While there’s no denying his immense talent and global appeal, the club’s success without him on the pitch suggests that they are more than capable of thriving in his absence.
An Uncertain Future
As Neymar’s contract with Al-Hilal is set to expire next summer, speculation is rife about his future. Will he be registered for the second half of the Saudi Pro League season in January, or will the club opt to cut ties and move on?
One potential swan song for Neymar in Saudi Arabia could be the FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States next summer. While the expanded 32-team tournament may not be a priority for some European clubs, it holds significant prestige in the Middle East. Representing Saudi Arabia and Asia on the global stage could be a fitting final act for Neymar at Al-Hilal.
Beyond that, a return to the Americas seems the most likely destination for the Brazilian. Rumors have swirled about a potential reunion with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez at Inter Miami, while a fairytale homecoming to Santos, the club where Neymar first made his name, has also been mooted.
[We are] clear and objective, his father and his staff know it. They know me, they know Santos. We have to wait because he has an active contract.
– Marcelo Teixeira, Santos president
As the football world watches and waits, one thing remains clear: Neymar’s time in Saudi Arabia has been far from the triumphant chapter many had envisioned. Plagued by injuries and reduced to a bit-part role, the Brazilian superstar has become the Saudi Pro League’s invisible man.
Yet, in the unpredictable world of football, there’s always room for a final twist in the tale. Will Neymar’s Al-Hilal story end in glory, or will his last act in Saudi Arabia be remembered as a subbed-off substitute? Only time will tell.
