Neymar’s 18-month stint at Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal came to an end on Monday, with the club announcing they mutually agreed to terminate his contract.
The Brazilian star joined in August 2023 for a reported salary of $104 million a year and has played just seven matches due to a series of injuries.
Neymar ruptured his cruciate ligament in October 2023 playing for Brazil and was sidelined for nearly a year.
He briefly returned in late 2023 but suffered a hamstring injury that has kept him out since.
Al-Hilal’s coach Jorge Jesus commented that Neymar could no longer perform at his previous level.
Despite the challenges, Neymar has expressed his goal of playing in the 2026 World Cup, which he considers his final chance on the international stage.
He has been linked with a move to MLS and his childhood club Santos has reportedly been in talks with him about a return.
Neymar’s career includes stints at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, where he became part of one of the most potent attacking trios in history with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
His record-breaking transfer to PSG in 2017 for €220 million still holds as the most expensive in football history.
Neymar won multiple titles at PSG but struggled with injuries and personal rivalries, leading to his departure for Saudi Arabia in 2023.
Now, with his time in the Saudi Pro League over, a return to Brazil may be his next move.
This article was updated 1 month ago
