Brazilian forward Neymar has terminated his contract with Al Hilal, the Saudi club he joined in August 2023. Despite having a contract valid until mid this year, 32-year-old Neymar decided to end his stint in Arab football after playing only seven matches with the team.
Neymar, who is the all-time top scorer for the Brazilian national team with 79 goals in 125 appearances, is now at a crossroads regarding what his next destination will be. While his representatives have not yet confirmed what his next step will be, Brazilian media have reported possible interest in returning to Santos, his childhood club.
During his time at Al Hilal, Neymar suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in October 2023 while with the Brazil national team, which kept him out for much of the season. Despite his limited contributions, he was part of the team that won the Saudi Pro League title last season.
During his time at Al Hilal, Neymar played a total of seven matches, scoring one goal and providing two assists. The initial contract, which was signed after his transfer for 90 million euros from Paris Saint-Germain, was set to extend until the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States this summer. But now the forward ends this chapter in search of new horizons.
With his departure, fans and football analysts around the world are closely following what the next chapter will be in Neymar’s career, which has been filled with ups and downs. With the focus on the 2026 World Cup in North America, expectations revolve around his return to the form that led him to be considered one of the best players in the world.
In this regard, there has been speculation about a possible return of Neymar to Santos, where between 2009 and 2013 he played 225 matches, scored 135 goals, and won several major titles. Uncertainty surrounds the immediate future of the talented Brazilian forward as he seeks to regain his best version in pursuit of new challenges and sporting achievements.
