Chile vs Brazil FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Full injury list of Brazil including Vinicius and Alisson
As Brazil get set to face Chile in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers match, here are all the players the five-time World Champions will miss including Vinicius Jr and Alisson.
The history of the World Cup cannot be complete without mentioning Brazil with 5 trophies to their name the highest of any country they face a tough test when they travel to Chile in what is a must-win match for them. Questions have arisen as to how possible it would be for them to win the match without some key players who have been integral to the team.
After losing four of their last five World Cup qualifiers, the five-time champions find themselves struggling with a string of poor performances. They currently sit in fifth place with 10 points, just ahead of Venezuela on goal difference. With only the top six teams guaranteed spots in the 2026 World Cup, their qualification is far from secure.
Brazil's coach Dorival had to make five changes to his squad for the upcoming match against Chile on Thursday. This was due to injuries suffered by key players: goalkeeper Alisson, defenders Bremer, Éder Militão, Guilherme Arana, and forward Vinicius Jr.
How Well Can Brazil Cope With The Injuries to Key Players
Brazil will need to rely on their squad depth to cope without their injured players. In goal, Ederson from Manchester City will likely step up, bringing vast experience and quality. In defence, Gabriel Magalhães and Marquinhos are capable replacements, offering solidity. Rodrygo and Raphinha will be key in the absence of Vinicius Jr. Brazil’s squad still boasts enough quality, creativity, and versatility to remain competitive.
The greatest football XI as per Ronaldo Nazario: Check out the team
Explore the greatest football XI of all time, chosen by legendary striker Ronaldo Nazário. Discover his ultimate dream team, featuring football icons and unforgettable talent on the pitch.
Former Brazilian striker Ronaldo Nazario, 'the phenomenon' named some of his colleagues, footballing legends and icons among his list of the 11 best players ever. Former Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Juventus stars are on the list.
In this special article, we explore the greatest football XI as per Ronaldo Nazario.
The greatest football XI as per Ronaldo:
Pele
Lionel Messi
Diego Maradona
Zico
Romario
Cristiano Ronaldo
Marco Van Basten
Zinedine Zidane
Luis Figo
Rivaldo
Ronaldinho
1. Pele
(Image Credit: GOAL.com)
Ronaldo Nazario grew up in Brazil in the 80s, it is not a surprise that he picked Pele. While Ronaldo Nazario was too young to watch Pele play live, his legacy is still to this day within the football world. For many Brazilians, Pele will always be the Greatest of all time.
2. Lionel Messi
Image Credit: GOAL.com
Ronaldo has often spoken highly of the Argentine forward, and it is not a surprise that he named Lionel Messi as one of the best players of all time.
Ronaldo Nazario said the following during an interview in 2020:
Messi is out of this world. He’s great. I like him much more than any other player. Everything he does is spectacular.
3. Diego Maradona
Image Credit: The Boston Globe
Ronaldo was born in 1976; he would have seen Diego Maradona in action during his development years and it is no surprise that the Argentine genius made such an impression on him. In reverse, Diego Maradona was always very complimentary of Ronaldo.
In 2018, Maradona said:
“If it were not for the injuries, Ronaldo would have been the best of all time.”
4. Zico
Image Credit: The Football Times
Zico spent the majority of his career playing in his native country for Flamengo. He enjoyed a brief spell in Europe with Udinese but only spent two years playing in Italy before he returned to Brazil.
The Former Brazilian midfielder also earned 71 caps for Brazil and scored 48 goals on the international stage. Despite never winning the World Cup, he is still considered one of the greatest players in the country’s history.
5. Romario
Image Credit: Planet Football
Ronaldo played a total of 19 games alongside Romario for Brazil and the pair combined for 12 goals during their time together.
Ronaldo told Bobo TV during an interview in 2022.
In 1997, I was an important player already. I had already won the Ballon d’Or.
During the training retreat for the Copa America, Romario suddenly told me: ‘Get ready, we go out tonight, don’t worry.’
He had prepared a ladder to climb over the hotel’s wall and there was a taxi waiting for us on the other side.
We returned at five am and I was exhausted the following day in training. I understood that Romario did it on purpose to tire me out and take my spot in the starting XI.
6. Cristiano Ronaldo
Image Credit: Managing Madrid
While Ronaldo Nazario neglected Cristiano Ronaldo from his three greatest players of all time, he still names the Portuguese forward in his best XI.
Ronaldo Nazario told ESPN:
Cristiano has an incredible career; he has scored in every way possible and successfully adapted to different positions. He is undoubtedly one of the best, but not the greatest.
7. Marco Van Basten:
Image Credit: Soccer News
There can be no denying that the three-time Ballon d’Or winner ranks among the greatest players of all time. At club level, the Dutchman scored a whopping 283 goals in just 379 appearances for Ajax and AC Milan. Like Ronaldo, Van Basten had to retire his career short because of injuries.
8. Zinedine Zidane
Image Credit: Sportskeeda
During their time together at Real Madrid, Ronaldo played 139 games alongside Zinedine Zidane and the pair combined for 31 goals during that time. Considered by many to be the greatest midfielder of all time, it is no surprise that the Frenchman cuts into Ronaldo’s elite list.
9. Luis Figo
Image Credit: Barca Universal
Ronaldo shared a close bond with Luis Figo during his playing days as the pair played alongside each other at Barcelona and Real Madrid. In fact, throughout Ronaldo Nazario's career, only Iker Casillas and Roberto Carlos played more games with him than Figo played.
The former Portuguese winger won 22 trophies throughout his career and undoubtedly ranks as one of the best players of his generation.
10. Rivaldo
Image Credit: GOAL.com
Rivaldo was also recognized by Nazario as one of the best players of all time. Former Brazilian international won the Ballon d'Or in 1999. While they never played together at club level, they did make 46 appearances alongside each other when playing for the national team.
11. Ronaldinho
Image Credit: X
The last name that Ronaldo gave when naming the best players of all time was Ronaldinho. A fellow Ballon d’Or and World Cup winner, this list would feel incomplete without the legendary attacking midfielder. The pair made 39 appearances together for Brazil and won the World Cup and Copa America together.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Brazil's squad announced, Neymar and Oscar named in the squad
Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers squad has been announced, and Neymar and Oscar have been called for the qualifiers. This article provides the full squad details.
This list includes former Barcelona forward Neymar Jr. and former Chelsea forward Oscar, both of whom are returning to the national team after a long time.
Next week, Brazil national team's head coach Dorival Junior will announce the final squad of 23 players.
Why does Bruno Guimarães wear Jersey no. 39? Here is the emotional story behind it
Bruno Guimarães has worn Jersey no. 39 for every club he has played in. Sportz Point presents the emotional story behind the Brazilian midfielder's preference for choosing this certain number.
Bruno Guimarães is one of the most talented and prolific midfielders in the world football right now. The 27-year-old Brazilian currently plays for the Premier League side Newcastle United, where he established himself as one of the best midfielders in recent years with his sublime ball-playing ability and playmaking skills.
One of the most interesting things about Guimarães is that he wears an unusual number for a first-team central midfielder like him. Instead of the traditional four, six, or eight numbers for midfielders, the Brazilian wears the number 39 shirt.
Even more interestingly, the Brazilian has worn the 39-numbered Jersey in every club he has played in his senior club career so far, showing his intense attachment to this certain number. This surely raises a question among the fans, why does he always prefer this number?
Well, the reason behind it is very emotional and heartwarming. Guimarães pays homage to his father, who endured struggles as a taxi driver to help the player grow his football career.
Bruno Guimaraes on his shirt number 🫶
“The number 39 gave me everything in life. It got me here to @NUFC. It fed me, clothed me, and paid for three-hour bus rides to pursue my dream.
The emotional story behind Guimarães' Jersey no. 39
(Image Source | The Players' Tribune)
Burno's father Dick Guimarães used to be a taxi driver in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as the number 39 was his vehicle's despatch number.
In the famous 'The Players' Tribune', Guimarães wrote an emotional article in February 2023, revealing the heart-warming reason behind his using the number so often and putting it up in his football shirts during his senior club career.
The number tells a story more beautiful than words can say. 39. I know people think it’s a weird number for a footballer. But for me 39 is special — no, it’s more than that. It's magical. The number 39 gave me everything in life. It got me here to Newcastle. It fed me, clothed me, and paid for three-hour bus rides to pursue my dream. #039 was the dispatch number of my father’s taxi in Rio de Janeiro.
He dived deeper into the emotional backstory, as later on he wrote:
My mother worked in a motorcycle shop. My father, of course, was a taxi driver. In Brazil, especially in Rio, this is a tough life. You work basically all day and night. But that yellow taxi kept my dream alive. Pretty much the only day I saw my father was on Saturday, when he came to watch me play football. It made me nervous, to be honest. My father was my hero. I didn’t want to disappoint him. And he was quite hard on me, at first. Sometimes he’d even say, 'I’m tired of seeing you lose. You can have an extra hamburger today, but only if you win.
"My journey was not a superstar’s story."
Bruno Guimarães pulled the emotional strings of his childhood complexities and sufferings but never overlooked the sacrifices his parents made.
I won’t lie. There were a few times that I had my bags packed. Once, I called my mom and told her to send me money for a bus ticket home. And I can hear her voice saying, “Stay calm. In a little while, we’ll be there together. This is your dream. This is what you want.”
They used to drive up to see me in the taxi on weekends. Even on his day off, my dad couldn’t escape the yellow taxi, number 039. For three years, I struggled at the academy. By the time I was 17, I still didn’t have a professional contract. It’s crazy to think about kids like Vinicius Jr. and Endrick — 16, 17 years old and — they were already stars. Me, I was making backup plans to become a taxi driver like my father. I was only earning about R$400 a month, and I think my cellphone bill was R$100. If I didn’t get a pro contract at 18, I had to be realistic. I didn’t want my parents to be disappointed, so I lied and said that I was taking my license test because I dreamed of having a VW Beetle when I signed my contract. But really, I was working on my back-up for “real life.”
I was months away from becoming 039 myself, if I didn’t get my break.
(Image Source | The Players' Tribune)
Bruno also recalled an emotional phone call with his father when he was loaned to Brazilian side Athletico Paranaense in Brazil.
...When I was loaned to Athletico Paranaense, I was talking to my father on the phone on the day I arrived, and I said, “Hey, what number do you think I should take? I’m thinking of using 97, because I was born in 1997.”
And he said, “What about 39? That is more than a number. 039 gave us everything we have, Bruno. Our house, our food, our furniture, your football boots. It was all because of our taxi.”...
Leganes vs Real Madrid Copa del Rey 2024-25 quarter-final highlights: Garcia's late winner helps Real Madrid beat Leganes by 3-2 and qualify for semis
Catch the highlights of Leganes vs Real Madrid Copa del Rey 2024-25 quarter-final match as a late winner from Gonzalo Garica helped Real Madrid beat Leganes by 3-2.
Brahim Diaz and Gonzalo Garcia celebrating the final goal. Image | X
Hello and welcome to our LIVE coverage. Tonight, we will bring you all the LIVE updates of the Leganes vs Real Madrid Copa del Rey 2024-25 quarter-final at the Butarque stadium.
This will be a one-leg fixture to determine the semi-finalists of the tournament. Real Madrid would look to book their spot in the two-legged semi-final to go for their 21st Copa del Rey title.
Leganes reached the quarter-finals after eliminating Ciudad de Lucena (1-2), Estepona on penalties (2-2), Cartagena (1-2) and Almería (2-3). They have not lost only one of their last six matches (3 wins and 2 draws).
So, we can expect a bit of fight from the South Madrid club against one of the biggest clubs in European football.
Sit back and relax as Koushik Biswas brings you all the updates of the match from the web desk.
LIVE Updates
Feb 5, 2025, 9:54 PM
Full time | Leganes 2-3 Real Madrid
Somehow, Real Madrid managed to keep the game within the full time of 90 minutes. An injury time winner from Gonzalo Garcia helped them qualify for the semi-final and join Atletico Madrid in the final four of Copa del Rey 2024-25.
Heartbreaking defeat for Leganes as they tried their best to take the European and Spanish Champions as deep as they could have done.
Juan Cruz with a brace for them that their fans would be very much proud of.
It is a good night from my end. See you tomorrow in the LIVE Blog of Valencia vs FC Barcelona Quarter-final match.
Cruz, who won the penalty for Leganes, stepped up to take the penalty.
A cool, calm penalty as he defeated Lunin by hitting the left low corner.
Leganes 1-2 RMA
Feb 5, 2025, 8:39 PM
38' | Penalty for Leganes
Penalty for Leganes as Jacobo handled the ball inside the box.
Feb 5, 2025, 8:38 PM
36' | Leganes pressing hard
Leganes forward line is trying very hard to pick out the ball inside the box.
But, with the amount of talent and experience on the pitch, they are lacking the quality to win the ball back.
Feb 5, 2025, 8:34 PM
32' | Leganes not good enough
Leganes have been trying hard to break through the defensive lines. But, have not been able to do that.
The home side is lacking the speed and energy.
Brašanac, this time had the chance to send a cross from right. But, his effort was easy for Lunin to make the save.
Feb 5, 2025, 8:31 PM
Legend and the future
Feb 5, 2025, 8:27 PM
25' | Endrick scores for Madrid | LEG 0- 2 RMA
Rodrygo with another great cross from left. His cross was not received well in the middle. But a deflection from the defender helped Endrick push the ball inside the goal.
Leganes 0-2 Real Madrid.
Feb 5, 2025, 8:25 PM
24' | Rodriguez goes off-target
Oscar Rodriguez takes a chance with a shot from long range.
His shot went wide though.
Feb 5, 2025, 8:24 PM
22' | Chance for Leganes
Rodriguez has been impressive for the home team so far.
He had the chance to run away with the lobbed ball from midfield.
But, Real Madrid defenders came running to stop him. Rodriguez then dunk the ball for Brašanac to enter the box. But, he made the foul to waste the chance.
Feb 5, 2025, 8:19 PM
18' | Goal from Modric | LEG 0-1 RMA
Rodrygo with a picture-perfect cross from left. Luka Modric, not marked well by the defenders, came running and tapped the ball straight into the goal.
Leganes 0-1 Real Madrid.
Feb 5, 2025, 8:18 PM
17' | Chance for Leganes
Chance for the home team to score there.
Neyou's cross from right found Rodriguez inside the box. But, his header went over the goal.
Feb 5, 2025, 8:17 PM
15' | Leganes defending well
Rodrygo made a quick entry in the final third. But, a wall of defenders did not allow Real Madrid to go close to the goal.
Feb 5, 2025, 8:15 PM
14' | Save from Soriano
Chance for Endrick to score here.
Rodrygo's pass found him inside the box. But, his effort from a close range was saved by Soriano.
Feb 5, 2025, 8:13 PM
12' | Corner for Real Madrid
Arda Guler entered the box from the right. As he tried to go close to the goalkeeper, his cross was deflected away for a corner by Nastasic.
Starting Line-up: J. Soriano, A. Altimira, V. Rosier, S. González, M. Nastasić, J. Cruz, Ó. Rodríguez, Y. Neyou, R. Tapia, D. Brašanac, D.
Subs:
Alvin, Marko Dmitrović, Javier Hernández, Iker Bachiller, Jorge Sáenz, Dani Raba, Hugo Solozábal, Munir El Haddadi, Julián Chicco, Miguel de la Fuente, Roberto López
Substitutes: Fran González, Sergio Mestre, Vini Jr., Lucas V., Vallejo, Ceballos, Fran García, Gonzalo, Chema, Lorenzo, Mario Rivas
Feb 5, 2025, 4:00 PM
Recent meetings | Leganes vs Real Madrid
La Liga Matches
🗓️ Nov 24, 2024 – Leganes 0-3 Real Madrid
🗓️ Jul 19, 2020 – Leganes 2-2 Real Madrid
🗓️ Oct 30, 2019 – Real Madrid 5-0 Leganes
🗓️ Apr 15, 2019 – Leganes 1-1 Real Madrid
🗓️ Sep 01, 2018 – Real Madrid 4-1 Leganes
🗓️ Apr 28, 2018 – Real Madrid 2-1 Leganes
🗓️ Feb 21, 2018 – Leganes 1-3 Real Madrid
🗓️ Apr 05, 2017 – Leganes 2-4 Real Madrid
🗓️ Nov 06, 2016 – Real Madrid 3-0 Leganes
Copa del Rey Matches
🗓️ Jan 16, 2019 – Leganes 1-0 Real Madrid(Round of 16)
🗓️ Jan 09, 2019 – Real Madrid 3-0 Leganes(Round of 16)
🗓️ Jan 24, 2018 – Real Madrid 1-2 Leganes(Quarter-Finals)
🗓️ Jan 18, 2018 – Leganes 0-1 Real Madrid(Quarter-Finals)
🗓️ Oct 26, 2004 – Leganes 1-2 Real Madrid(Second Round)
🗓️ Dec 18, 2003 – Leganes 2-4 Real Madrid(Third Round)
Feb 5, 2025, 3:56 PM
When Leganes stunned the Kings of Europe!
Leganés players celebrate their surprise win over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey. Photograph: Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Leganes' first-ever win over Real Madrid was a 2-1 success in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey back in January 2018. Los Blancos were knocked out of the competition due to the away goals rule after that defeat.
Their second victory against Real Madrid came in Copa del Rey in January 2019 when they beat them by 1-0.
Feb 5, 2025, 3:49 PM
Leganes vs Real Madrid | Head-to-head stats
Matches: 15 Leganes wins: 2 Draws: 2 Real Madrid wins: 11
Feb 5, 2025, 3:47 PM
Tonight's venue | Butarque stadium
Image | StadiumDB.com
Feb 5, 2025, 3:43 PM
How to watch the match? | Streaming details
Football fans from India can watch the Leganes vs Real Madrid Copa del Rey 2024-25 quarter-final match LIVE on Fan Code with subscription.
From Santos to the World: Neymar's Journey is football's greatest "Could Have Been"
In this article, we will explore the journey of Brazilian star Neymar Jr., who was destined to be one of the greatest footballers ever but remained as football's greatest "Could Have Been."
Neymar Jr.and Al-Hilalhave mutually parted ways, as the Saudi Arabian side announced yesterday issuing a statement that "Al-Hilal Club Company and Neymar Jr. have agreed to terminate their contractual relationship by mutual consent."
Neymar has also posted an emotional message to the Al-Hilal fans and the club on his socials, thanking them for the memories in Saudi Arabia.
To everyone at Al Hilal, to the fans, Thank you !! I gave everything to play and I wish we enjoyed better times on the pitch together .. To Saudi, thank you for giving me and my family a new home and new experiences I now know the real Saudi and have friends for life I always… pic.twitter.com/NgeoUjZk1D
The 32-year-old Brazilian is reportedly set for a sensational homecoming to Santos FC, where he spent his boyhood and became a household name during his early days before entering a rollercoaster ride in European football.
Neymar is often regarded as one of the greatest players who could not live up to their potential. He is also widely debated as the greatest footballer who never won a Ballon d'Or. Now, Neymar's reported homecoming to the roots is making fans teary and also leaving them in despair, is he the football's greatest "Could Have Been"?
The ascendence to glory and gloom: Neymar's journey from Santos to European football
Neymar in Santos, 2012.
The little boy who started to nurture his footballing skills in the streets of São Paulo caught the attention of the scouts from the renowned Brazilian football club Santos FC. It was in 2003 when Neymar Da Silva Santos Jr., aged only 11, entered the Santos Academy's premises as the new inductee to the youth team.
Cut to the year 2009. After showcasing his immense technical ability, and pure Brazilian-style of footballing skills across the youth ranks of Santos, Neymar earned his debut for theSantos senior team at the age of only 17.
Over the next four years, Neymar Jr. bagged an impressive tally of 136 goals and 64 assists in 225 appearances across all competitions. The young Brazilian played an integral part in Santos' victorious 2010-11 Copa Libertadores campaign and in winning the 2010 Brazilian Cup as well.
Neymar Jr. stormed into the headlines of football discussions worldwide, regarding him as the heir of the likes of Kaka and Ronaldinho in the Brazil national team. He was also named the 2012 South American Footballer of the Year, solidifying his stature as the most promising talent at that time.
However, it was in 2011 when the top European clubs started monitoring him closely. Spanish giants Real Madrid and English side Chelseahad a strong interest in signing Neymar in the upcoming days. But it was FC Barcelona who secured the signing of Neymar in 2013, paying a mammoth transfer package of €88 million to Santos.
Neymar's move to Barca was no less controversial, as revealed by football writers Alex Duff and Tariq Panja. In their book "Football’s Secret Trade", they revealed the thrilling backstory of Neymar's signing for Barcelona.
Although Real Madrid seemed to be Neymar's most likely destination to commence his European career, the Brazilian himself signed a pre-contract agreement with Barcelona to join them in the upcoming transfer window. Even his club Santos was kept in darkness about the agreement.
🇧🇷⭐️ 11 YEARS AGO TODAY: Neymar Jr was presented officially as a Barcelona player infront of 50,000+ people.
However, as the curtain was finally up, Neymar was officially presented to the fans in a jam-packed Camp Nou on June 3rd, 2013. The Brazilian was paired up with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, forming one of the greatest trios in football history, the 'MSN'.
Neymar played a huge part in Barcelona's UEFA Champions League winning campaign in 2014-15, scoring the highest season tally of 10 goals along with scoring the insurance goal in the final. That season, Neymar played a prominent part in Barcelona's treble-winning run as well, quoting himself as one of the best footballers at that moment.
The MSN trio also ended the season with a staggering 122 goals, the most in a season for an attacking trio in Spanish football history. Neymar registered 39 goals across all competitions.
MSN: Messi, Suarez and Neymar. (Image Credit | Eurosport)
However, the four years he played for Barcelona brought him plenty of personal honours and team accolades, but Neymar did not come close to winning the Ballon d'Or. After finishing in seventh place in 2014 and third place in 2015, Neymar did not have much to contest in the winner's debate.
La Remontada and the pathway to exit
Neymar in the Remontada game in 2017. (Image Credit | Eurosport)
Barcelona's historic 6-1 victory against Paris Saint-Germain in the UCL 2016-17 pre-quarterfinal second leg, which was termed as 'La Remontada', fuelled the fire of Neymar leaving Barcelona. After losing the first leg by 0-4 against the French opponent, Neymar made a comment that ignited the hope of the Barca fans.
Neymar wrote, "As long as there’s a 1% chance, we’ll have 99% faith" on his socials following the 0-4 crushing in Paris. The Brazilian went on to keep his word, orchestrating the Barcelona attacks for the whole game while also scoring two goals and providing one assist to the sixth goal that won Barcelona the game.
🚨🚨 ¡OJO! NEYMAR, sobre la REMONTADA del BARÇA al PSG en 2017: "Lo RECORDARÉ el RESTO de MI VIDA". pic.twitter.com/HV0oO5ejG6
However, even after Neymar rescued the team from a distressing situation, it was an iconic image of Lionel Messi leaping with the fans that made the headlines as well became the image of the game. Since this time, Neymar reportedly felt the urge to get out of the stature of Lionel Messi.
Neymar's decision to leave Barcelona and join Paris Saint-Germain was not only driven by his desire to emerge from Messi's shadow but also to embrace the opportunity to shine as the sole star player, bolstering his path to winning the Ballon d'Or.
PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Neymar in 2017. (Image Credit | the Guardian)
PSG completed a huge €222 million transfer to rope in Neymar, marking this as the most expensive transfer of all time to date. Although the relationship between him and Barcelona fans was damaged after his unexpected transfer to PSG, Neymar took the center-stage at the French club, leading the side from the front.
However, what was naturally expected to be a cakewalk; turned into a rocky road for Neymar. Frequent injuries and several legal scrutinies made his stint at the Parisian club full of ups and downs. He accumulated 77 goals and 49 assists in 173 matches for PSG, but only came close to winning the Champions League in 2020, but lost to Bayern Munich in the final.
Sadly, after leaving Barcelona, Neymar never made it to the Ballon d'Or top ten, let alone winning it. His brawls with his PSG teammates from time to time made his stay at PSG tumultuous, and he ultimately failed to justify the price tag. Across his six-year stint at PSG, Neymar missed 119 games in total due to injuries.
Although he rejoined Lionel Messi at PSG in 2021 and formed the trident of MNM along with another superstar, Kylian Mbappe, the trio also failed to live up to the expectations.
The relationship between Neymar, PSG, and PSG fans completely broke down after he suffered another injury in March 2023 as the supporters demanded the departure of Neymar in various on-street protests.
❗️Understand that #Neymar is on the sale‘s list of #PSG this summer. It’s a question of the price now as @PSG_inside is prepared for his departure.
➡️ Ramos deal done soon ✔️ ➡️ Kolo Muani & Dembele, PSG ist pushing for both players!
Neymar's official Al-Hilal presentation. (Image Credit | X)
PSG management finally ran out of patience and decided to sell Neymar in August 2023, informing him that he was not in the overhaul plan for them.
Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal paid a lucrative two-year contract to the Brazilian as he signed for them on a transfer fee of €90 million, making him the most expensive purchase in theSaudi Pro League.
Just two months after signing, he suffered a devastating ACL injury while representing Brazil in a World Cup qualifier. After several months of recovery, he returned to action in late 2024 but was quickly sidelined again due to a hamstring injury.
Overall, he made only seven appearances for the Saudi club, scoring just once in an AFC Champions League match against Nassaji Mazandaran. These injuries, combined with fitness concerns, led to mutual frustration as Al-Hilal have officially announced the termination of the contract after almost two years after the star signing.
Neymar has reportedly agreed to a significant salary reduction to join Santos, forfeiting approximately €62 million in remaining wages.
🚨💣 Neymar Jr back to Santos, story confirmed and HERE WE GO! ⚪️⚫️🇧🇷
Al Hilal have terminated Ney’s contract with immediate effect as the Brazilian will now travel for medical and sign in as new Santos player.
What could have been a storied career, drifted into a career studded with unexpected ups and downs, frequent injury concerns, and devastating failures. The question still lingers for football fans, what if Neymar had not left Barcelona or taken his decisions otherwise?
Neymar Jr, the 32-year-old man, is returning to his roots with the tag that will surely pain him for a lifetime that he is the greatest footballer who failed to fully capitalize on his immense potential. He still has a significant time left for his upcoming club and the Brazil national team to turn the tables, but the years have termed him as football's greatest "Could Have Been."