In a shocking development that has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, Brazilian superstar Neymar has abruptly parted ways with Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal after a brief and underwhelming stint in the Middle East. The mutual termination of his contract, announced by the club on Tuesday, brings a premature end to a move that was heralded as a groundbreaking transfer just a year ago.
Neymar, who joined Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2023 for a staggering fee of up to £86 million, managed a paltry return of just one goal and two assists in his seven appearances for the club. The 32-year-old forward, who has notched an impressive 79 goals for the Brazilian national team, has struggled to regain his best form since sustaining a serious knee injury in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023.
Speculation Mounts Over Santos Homecoming
As news of Neymar’s departure from Al-Hilal spreads, rumors are rife that the mercurial forward could be set for an emotional return to his boyhood club Santos. Neymar rose to prominence with the Brazilian side before securing a high-profile move to Barcelona in 2013, and has made no secret of his desire to one day pull on the famous white and black jersey once more.
“Santos is my boyhood love, my home.”
– Neymar, January 17 2025
Santos executives have been vocal in their desire to bring their prodigal son back to the Vila Belmiro Stadium, and Neymar’s sudden availability could pave the way for a fairytale reunion. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the chance to play regular football in familiar surroundings may prove an irresistible prospect for the Brazilian captain.
A Career at a Crossroads
There can be no denying that Neymar’s career has reached a critical juncture. Once hailed as the heir apparent to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, a combination of injuries, off-field controversies and inconsistent form have seen his star wane in recent years. His world-record €222 million move to PSG in 2017 failed to deliver the Champions League glory he so desperately craved, while his time at Al-Hilal will be remembered as little more than a lucrative footnote.
- 2013: Joins Barcelona from Santos for €88.2 million
- 2017: Signs for PSG in a world-record €222 million deal
- 2023: Moves to Al-Hilal for £86 million
- 2025: Departs Al-Hilal by mutual consent after 7 games
Yet for all his travails, Neymar remains a preternaturally gifted footballer capable of game-changing moments of magic. If he can rediscover his hunger and find an environment that allows him to focus solely on his football, there is no reason why he cannot force his way back into the conversation around the world’s best players.
The Last Dance?
With the 2026 World Cup likely to be Neymar’s last chance to claim football’s greatest prize, the coming months could define his legacy. A successful return to Santos, where he first announced himself to the world, could provide the perfect springboard for one final tilt at glory with the Seleção.
Brazil have not lifted the famous gold trophy since 2002, and the weight of a nation’s expectations will once again fall upon Neymar’s shoulders. If he can banish the ghosts of tournaments past and inspire his country to a sixth World Cup triumph, all the trials and tribulations of his club career will be forgotten. For Neymar, the road to redemption may well run through the streets of Santos.
