The highlight of the 2023 summer transfer window have to be the threat of the Saudi Clubs offering huge money to marquee players to sign for their teams. It all started with Ronaldo moving to Al Nassr in the January transfer window and it created a possible path for the rest of the players who are at the end of their career. In the Saudi Transfer Window there was an outlay of £784.2m accordingto Transfermarket data, which is significantly more than any top flight leagues in Europe other than the Premier League.
Many of the players have stated that Saudi Arabia, as a whole is progressing as a football nation and with Roberto Mancini's appointment as the head coach of their nation team, it was enough evidence to the fact. In this transfer window of theirs, Saudi clubs have made some huge signings, from Ballon d'Or winners to World Cup winners, they have spent a fortune on these players only for the betterment of the league.
So let's take a look at all the players who've agreed to sign for top 5 Saudi clubs in the Saudi Transfer Window.
Ittihad's French forward #09 Karim Benzema runs with the ball during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal at Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah on September 1, 2023. (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)
1. Al Ahli
Riyad Mahrez
Roberto Firmino
Edouard Mendy
Allan Saint-Maximin
Gabri Veiga
2. Al Ettifaq
Jordan Henderson
Moussa Dembele
Demarai Grey
Georginio Wijnaldum
Jack Hendry
3. Al Hilal
Ruben Neves
Aleksandar Mitrovic
Neymar
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
Malcom
4. Al Ittihad
N'Golo Kante
Fabinho
Karim Benzema
Jota
5. Al Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo
Sadio Mane
Alex Telles
Aymeric Laporte
Marcelo Brozovic
Seko Fofana
87 percent of the spending was done by these five clubs. These teams are owned by the Public Investment Fund- who also own Newcastle United. Al Hilal's £302.1m net spend is more than any other club in the world.
Jorge Jesus denies negotiations with Brazil as potential head coach
Al-Hilal head coach Jorge Jesus has denied the rumours about the negotiations to be appointed as the next head coach of the Brazil national football team.
Besides Carlo Ancelotti, Jorge Jesus has also been named as a potential candidate. However, The 70-year-old Portuguese coach has responded to these rumours, denying any negotiation with CBF to be appointed as the next head coach of Brazil, discarding the possibility as of now.
Jorge Jesus denies negotiations with Brazil
Jorge Jesus (Image Credit | AP)
In an interview with UOL, Jesus, who is currently at the helm of Saudi club Al-Hilal, assured that he has not been contacted by anyone from the Brazilian Football Federation. "No one has spoken to me, at least until today," he stated.
The 'Globo' network has indicated that Al-Hilal head coach Jorge Jesus is the front-runner to become the head coach of the Brazilian national team.
The network also pointed out that Jorge Jesus is not keen to leave his position at Al-Hilal since he expects to stay with the Saudi Pro League side until the end of the AFC Champions League Elite, which concludes on May 3, 2025.
🚨🇧🇷 Jorge Jesus has given his initial availability to become new Brazil head coach, after the end of the season with Al Hilal.
Decision now up to the Brazilian Federation as dream target Carlo Ancelotti surely won’t be available before end of July. pic.twitter.com/122t3HfTbw
Further, the network added that Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was the initial choice; however, he is not ready to leave his present job before the end of the 2025 Club World Cup.
The Portuguese coach aims to lead Al-Hilal to triumph in the AFC Champions League Elite and might consider stepping down before the Club World Cup to assume the coaching duty at the Brazilian national team.
Jesus addressed his relationship with Neymar
(Image Source | X)
Recent developments have witnessed prominent figures such as Carlo Ancelotti and Filipe Luis pulling out of contention as of now to take over the Brazil job, solidifying Jesus's position as the front-runner.
When asked on the 'Charla Podcast' about the possibility of reuniting with Jesus in the national setup, Neymar seemed visibly uncomfortable and opted to answer otherwise. "I have nothing to do with this. I'm just a player; don't involve me in this. I'm out," he stated.
However, Jorge Jesus opened up about his relationship with Neymar. In the interview with UOL. "I have no issues with Neymar, but no club or national team can depend on individual players," the coach said, dismissing any conflicting triggers.
The situation raises questions about Neymar's future with the national team and the possible impact of this appointment on the team's dynamics. However, Brazil seeks to bounce back from their recent stint of setbacks and appoint a coach who can lead the team to the coveted success with the 2026 FIFA World Cup at stake.
20 Highest-Paid Footballers in Saudi Pro League History
Discover the 20 highest-paid footballers in Saudi Pro League history, featuring superstar signings, record-breaking salaries, and the league's biggest earners. Explore how Saudi Clubs have reshaped global football with massive contracts and marquee transfers.
Since Cristiano Ronaldo's groundbreaking move to Al-Nassr in December 2022, the Saudi Pro League has become an attractive destination for several high-profile European stars. His transfer acted as a channel, inspiring many big names to follow in his footsteps and head to the Middle East.
Top players like Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane have made the switch. While the appeal of a new challenge may have played a minor role in their decisions, the well-paid contracts were undoubtedly the main motivation. Former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves even admitted that in December 2023, though he also acknowledged that the league's ambitious project influenced his choice.
As the biggest star in the Saudi Pro League,Cristiano Ronaldo earns an astronomical weekly age, with his presence drawing global attention to the league's expanding brand. But who else comes close to him in terms of earnings?
20 Highest-Paid Footballers in Saudi Pro League history:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo | 3.85 million Euros per Week:
Cristiano Ronaldo wins first title at Al-Nassr in Arab Club Champions | Sports Inquirer. net
The Pioneer, The game-changer, The highest-paid footballer of all time. Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr in January 2023 was not just a transfer- it was a statement. His arrival ignited a wave of big-name signings in the Saudi Pro League, but none have matched his astonishing earnings.
Earning twice as much as the next best-paid player, he remains the undisputed financial King of both the league and theWorld football. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner did not just adapt, he succeeded, finishing 2023 as the year's top goal scorer across all competitions. At 40, he is not just playing-he is redefining the game on a new level.
2. Karim Benzema | 1.93 million Euros per week:
Karim Benzema earns 1.93 million euros per week in Saudi Arabia | Info-Sport-com
Karim Benzema had the option to stay at Real Madrid for another year, but who can blame him for accepting a three-year deal with champions Al-lttihad, well over 150 million? At 35, an age when many players consider retirement, he chose to take a new challenge while securing an astonishing payday.
Official, confirmed. Karim Benzema joins Al Ittihad on two year deal with option for further season. 🟡⚫️🇸🇦 #AlIttihad
Benzema will earn almost €200m per season net salary, commercial deals included. pic.twitter.com/vSrkL4zjJI
However,unlike Cristiano Ronaldo, the Frenchman has struggled to settle in the Saudi Pro League, even earning aharsh new nickname from Al-lttihad fans. Despite this, he has still delivered on the pitch, scoring 13 goals and providing eight assists in just 29 games during his debut season in the Middle East.
3. Riyad Mahrez | 1.03 million Euros per week:
Image Credit: Sofoot.com
Riyad Mahrez ranks third on this list, but he trails significantly behind the top two in earnings, nearly 50% of what Benzema makes. Even so, his 8.3 million euros salary at Manchester City now seems like pocket change compared to the eye-watering sum he is earning at Al-Ahli.
Riyad Mahrez to Al Ahli, here we go! The documents are being exchanged as Man City and Al Ahli want the deal signed by the end of the week. 🚨🟢🇸🇦 #AlAhli
Mahrez will sign until June 2027 — Man City will receive €35m fee with add ons included.
Now making more than Five times his City wages, the Algerian international continues to showcase the same dazzling skill in Saudi Arabia that Premier League fans enjoyed weekly. With 12 goals and 14 assists at the time of writing, he is proving his worth, even if Al-Ahli fell short of winning Saudi Pro League title in his debut season.
4. Sadio Mane | 769k euros Per Week:
Image Credit: Rousingthekop
Sadio Mane's time at Bayern Munich can fairly be described as pathetic. The Senegalese forward, who once tortured Premier League defenses with Liverpool and Southampton, struggled to find favor in Bavaria. His difficult spells even included a physical argument with teammate Leroy Sane.
Sadio Mané to Al Nassr, here we go! Deal in place between the two clubs, Bayern have accepted the verbal proposal after advanced talks yesterday 🟡🔵🇸🇦
Paperwork to be checked on player side and then medical will be booked, deal will be done.
As a result, securing a move away from the Allianz Arena become Mane's top priority. He ultimately signed for Al-Nassr, joining forces with Cristiano Ronaldo. The 32-year-old penned a deal reportedly with around 34 million euros per year, placing him just ahead of another former Premier League star.
5. Kalidou Koulibaly | 667k euros Per Week:
Saudi’s Al-Hilal sign Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly from Chelsea | Indian Express.com
Chelsea fans were confident they had found the perfect defensive partner for Thiago Silva in Kalidou Koulibaly, even handing him John Terry's iconic number. However, the Senegalese defender endured a challenging spell at Stamford Bridge and was moved on in 2023 for 20 million euros.
Since joining Al-Hilal, Koulibaly has been a steady presence at the back, leaving his Premier struggles behind to help guide his new team to the 2023/24 Saudi Pro League title.
Earning around 295,000 euros per week in Chelsea, the 33-year-old nearly doubted his wages with the move. In an interview, he even admitted that the amazing financial offer played a major role in his decision.
"I can’t deny it. With this money, I will be able to help my whole family to live well, from my parents to my cousins"
Every Premier League player who went to play for Saudi Pro League clubs
John Duran is the latest inclusion in the Saudi Pro League after leaving the Premier League, as he joined Al-Nassr from Aston Villa. In this article, Sportz Point explores Every Premier League player who went to play for Saudi Pro League clubs.
Duran, who has scored 10 goals for Aston Villa across the Premier League and UCL this season, has signed a gigantic five-year contract with the Cristiano Ronaldo-led club.
The Colombian youngster is the latest inclusion to follow the footsteps of former Premier Leaguefootballers who left the top division of English football to explore new opportunities in Saudi Arabia.
In this article, Sportz Point assesses every Premier League player who went to play for various Saudi Pro League clubs.
1. N'Golo Kante - Chelsea to Al-Ittihad (2023)
N'Golo Kanteis the foremost renowned footballer who left the Premier League to join the Saudi Pro League, bringing a revolution in the business for Saudi Pro League clubs.
The French World Cup winner and always a fan-favourite, left Chelsea in July 2023 to join Al-Ittihad on a free transfer. Kante received a 3-year contract at the Saudi club, where he reportedly earns a whopping €100 million per year.
The 33-year-old midfielder is currently playing for Al-Ittihad, and his contract runs until June 2026.
In July 2023, Kalidou Koulibaly signed for the current Saudi Champions Al-Hilal for an undisclosed fee, reportedly worth €23 million. The Senegal international spent only one year in Chelsea, where he joined in 2022 from the Italian side Napoli.
The 33-year-old defender is currently donning the Al-Hilal shirt, where he is on a contract until June 2026.
3. Edouard Mendy - Chelsea to Al-Ahli (2023)
Edouard Mendy will always be a legend for Chelsea fans for his towering performance as the goalkeeper in Chelsea's UCL-winning campaign in 2020-21.
However, in a shocking move in July 2023, the Senegal international joined Al-Ahli for a reported fee of €19 million. The 32-year-old goalkeeper is on a three-year contract with Al-Ahli, expiring in June 2026.
4. Demarai Gray - Everton to Al-Ettifaq (2023)
Demarai Gray signed for Al-Ettifaq on the deadline day of the transfer window in Saudi Arabia, on September 7th, 2023.
However, the Jamaican international penned down a four-year contract with the Saudi outfit, keeping him at the club until June of 2027.
5. Aleksandar Mitrovic - Fulham to Al-Hilal (2023)
Aleksandar Mitrovic has proved himself as arguably the best overseas signing the Saudi Pro League has made since the door opened in 2023. The Serbian forward signed for Al-Hilal in August 2023. He left Fulham, where he had a dream season in 2022-23, scoring 14 goals in just 24 PL appearances.
However, Al-Hilal paid a reported fee of €52 million to sign Mitrovic from Fulham. Since arriving in Saudi, the 30-year-old striker has netted 60 goals and provided 11 assists in 67 appearances for Al-Hilal, leading the club to the Saudi Arabian League title in 2023-24 and various other accolades.
6. Ezgjan Alioski - Leeds to Al-Ahli (2021)
Although Kante is the PL footballer who had drawn significant attention from Saudi Clubs, it was Ezgjan Alioski who first joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli in 2021, leaving Leeds Unitedon a free transfer.
However, the Macedonian left-back was loaned to Fenerbahce only after a year, and he spent a one-year loan stint at the Turkish side before permanently returning to Al-Ahli in June 2023. Alioski is in the last year of his contract, as the agreement expires in June 2025.
7. Fabinho - Liverpool to Al-Ittihad (2023)
Fabinho joined Al-Ittihad in July 2023 for a transfer fee of almost €47 million, leaving his former club Liverpool.
The former Liverpool captain spent a long 5-year spell at Liverpool, winning almost everything with the Merseyside club. The Brazilian defensive midfielder is currently on a three-year contract with Al-Ittihad, binding him to the club until June 2026.
8. Roberto Firmino - Liverpool to Al-Ahli (2023)
Roberto Firmino, another cult hero of Liverpool, left the club in July 2023 to sign for Al-Ahli Saudi on a free transfer after his contract expired at the end of the 2022-23 season.
Firmino played for Liverpool from 2015 to 2023, making him a legend for the Premier League club, where he won almost everything, scoring 111 goals in 362 games.
The 33-year-old Brazilian is on a three-year deal with the Saudi club, expiring on June 2026.
9. Jordan Henderson - Liverpool to Al-Ettifaq (2023)
(Image Credit | Getty Images)
The case ofJordan Henderson is a unique instance, as he spent only 6 months in Saudi. The former Liverpool skipper moved to Al-Ettifaq after a €14 million transfer in July 2023, penning a three-year deal with the Saudi side.
However, things did not go well with the England international as he failed to adjust to the Saudi Arabian climate and also had family reasons. Henderson left Al-Ettifaq in January 2024 as he returned to Europe to play for Ajax Amsterdam.
Henderson currently captains the Dutch side, where his contract runs until June 2026.
10. Aymeric Laporte - Man City to Al-Nassr (2023)
(Image Credit | ESPN)
Aymeric Laporte left Manchester Cityto join Al-Nassr in July 2023 after the Saudi side paid almost €28 million in transfer fees.
The dynamic Spanish center-back was handed a three-year contract with the Saudi club, which runs until June 2026. Although he has not moved to any other club, he has recently been linked to a move to the Spanish giants, Real Madrid.
11. Riyad Mahrez - Man City to Al-Ahli (2023)
Riyad Mahrez has always been a silent cornerstone for Manchester City's success in recent years under Pep Guardiola. Mahrez also played a significant part in the iconic Premier League-winning campaign of Leicester City in 2016.
However, the Algerian left City in July 2023 on a €35 million transfer to join Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League. The 33-year-old winger was handed a four-year contract that runs until June 2027.
12. Alex Telles - Man United to Al-Nassr (2023)
Alex Telles joined his national teammate Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr after joining the Saudi side on a €4.6 million transfer. Telles left Manchester United to start anew in the Middle East.
However, his stint at Al-Nassr was full of obstacles, as only after a year, the Portuguese full-back terminated his contract by mutual agreement and joined the Brazilian side Botafogo on a free transfer in September 2024.
13. Allan Saint-Maximin - Newcastle to Al-Ahli (2023)
Allan Saint-Maximin emerged as one of the best forwards in the Premier League, before making a shocking move to Al-Ahli from Newcastle United for a transfer fee worth almost €28 million.
However, Maximin is now playing for Fenerbahce after being loaned out in July 2024, although he has a contract with Al-Ahli until June 2026.
14. Ruben Neves - Wolves to Al-Hilal (2023)
Ruben Neves etched his name in the history of Wolverhampton Wanderers; playing for the English side for almost seven years.
The Portuguese defensive midfielder left his beloved Wolves to join Al-Hilal in July 2023 on a huge €55 million transfer. Neves is contracted with Al-Hilal until June 2026.
15. Moussa Diaby - Aston Villa to Al-Ittihad (2024)
(Image Credit | transfermarkt)
Moussa Diaby proved himself as one of the best emerging talents in world football but he unexpectedly signed for Al-Ittihad in July 2024, leaving Aston Villa on a huge €60 million transfer.
The 25-year-old French midfielder also played for renowned European clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and a significant four-year spell at Bayer Leverkusen.
16. Ivan Toney - Brentford to Al-Ahli (2024)
(Image Credit | talkSport)
Ivan Toney entered the England national team following his masterful performance with Brentford in the Premier League. However, he left the English side in August 2024, as Al-ahli paid a transfer fee of €42 million for the English forward.
The 28-year-old forward is currently playing for Al-Ahli where he is on a mega contract that runs until June 2028.
17. Johann Berg Gudmundsson - Burnley to Al-Orobah (2024)
Johann Berg Gudmundsson played an integral part in Burnley's promotion to the Premier League for the 2023-24 season. However, the Iceland international moved to Al-Orobah in August 2024 for an undisclosed fee.
The 34-year-old winger is in the last year of his contract with Al-Orobah as it ends in June 2025.
18. Marek Rodak - Fulham to Al-Ettifaq (2024)
(Image Source | X)
Marek Rodak, the Slovak international, left Fulham to join Al-Ettifaq on a free transfer in August 2024.
The 28-year-old goalkeeper is on a contract until June 2027.
19. Joao Cancelo - Man City to Al-Hilal (2024)
Joao Cancelo spent a tumultuous year in 2023, as he spent two different loan spells in Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona. However, Barcelona failed to trigger his release clause in August 2024 as Manchester City sold the Portuguese international to Al-Hilal on a modest €25 million transfer.
The 30-year-old fullback signed a three-year contract that runs until June 2027.
20. Kurt Zouma - West Ham to Al-Orobah (2024)
Kurt Zouma left West Ham United in August 2024 after spending almost three years at the English side, as he was loaned to Al-Orobah for a year. The French defender's loan ends in June 2025.
21. Jhon Duran - Aston Villa to Al-Nassr (2025)
(Image Credit | Sportbible)
Jhon Duran is the latest Premier League footballer to leave top-tier English football to join Saudi Pro League.
Al-Nassr has signed the Colombian youngster from Aston Villa for a huge €77 transfer fee including the add-ons. The 21-year-old striker, who signed a mega five-year contract, will stay at Al-Nassr until June 2030.
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."
Transfer News: Neymar back to Santos? Looks like a homecoming!
Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr. has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with his boyhood club, Santos, to make an emotional homecoming come true in the coming days.
Neymar Jr.is reportedly all set to make a sensational return to his boyhood clubSantos this month, terminating the contract with his current club Al-Hilal.
According to a report from renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, the verbal agreement between Neymar and Santos is already through, and the deal is imminent to be finalized.
Neymar's current club Al-Hilal is expected to pen the deal with Santos in the coming days, as Neymar is fully asserted to the move.
🚨🇧🇷 BREAKING: Neymar’s return to Santos now imminent as verbal agreement has been reached.
Formal steps to follow next week for final formula of the deal from Al Hilal and contracts to be checked.
Following a long-going feud with Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar left the French side in August 2023 to join the Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal on a huge two-year contract worth €90 million.
However, his spell in the Arabian Gulf has not been a cakewalk, as he frequently suffered injuries. Neymar had the biggest blow in October 2023, suffering an ACL tear which left him out of the following AFC Champions League campaign.
Neymar came back to play for Al-Hilal after almost a year in October 2024. Although he had some game-time at first, in the very next game, Neymar suffered another hamstring injury, sidelining him for the remainder of the year.
Al-Hilal head coach Jorge Jesus stated his concerns about Neymar just a week ago, on 17 January 2025.
He is a player who leaves no doubt, a world-class player. But the truth is that physically, Neymar can no longer play at the level we are used to. Things have become difficult for him, unfortunately.
Al-Hilal management is not keen to pen down a new deal with Neymar due to his injury woes, as it opened a door for an emotional return to his roots.
Neymar played in the youth ranks of Santos from 2003 to 2009, marking his stature as one of the biggest emerging talents coming out of Brazil.
Representing the Santos senior teamfrom 2009 to 2013, Neymar accumulated 136 goals and 64 assists in 225 matches across all competitions.
However, his most significant period in European football was spent playing for FC Barcelona from 2013 to 2017, with 105 goals and 76 assists in 186 matches, clinching two LaLigas and the 2014-15 UEFA Champions League.
Can Neymar compete for the national team selection?
Brazil National team's head coach Dorival Júnior has significantly prioritized picking players from the Brazilian football divisions since his tenure began.
Over the last two years, Neymar has made very less appearances for the national team, leaving him uncertain about his future with Brazil. He was also dropped out of the squad for the friendlies in September 2024. Since the 2022 World Cup, Neymar has only played 20 games collectively for his club and country.
With the 2026 World Cup at stake which is only half-a-year away, it will be thrilling for the fans to see if Neymar can enter the national team roster. However, Dorival Júnior stated back in November 2024, that he is closely monitoring Neymar's progress.
🚨🇧🇷 Brazil head coach Dorival Jr: “I can confirm that Neymar made himself available to be here with, but having played little minutes since the injury we respect the decision of his club”.
“We will be ready for his return in the next call up where he will be ready”. pic.twitter.com/KeY255L46l
Neymar has been sensational for Brazil, bagging 79 goals and 59 assists in 128 appearances including friendlies. However, he has not yet acquired the World Cup glory and the Samba fans will surely want to witness him for one probable last time in the Seleção shirt.
Neymar's return to Santos and the Brazilian league football will benefit the forward only if he manages to recover from his injury spree and earn significant game-time to compete against the present core of the national team.
There is another obstacle for Neymar, which may be worrying; Santos is currently playing in Serie B after being relegated last season. However, Santos is topping the Serie B leaderboard and will be promoted to the premier division.
Dorival Júnior has plenty of options for the forward berths, but would it be risky to leave Neymar out of the squad for a tournament such as the World Cup? Honestly, we don't know.
Neymar in the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers:
8 Games 7 Goals🥈 7 Assists🥇 14 Goal involvements🥇 29 Key passes🥇 9 Big chances created🥇 107 Duels won🥇 53 Dribbles🥇 42 Times fouled🥇 2 Penalties won🥇
In the past, we have witnessed Neymar struggling for his club but he has always delivered his best with the national team. Brazil's runner-up finish in the 2020 Copa America or the quarter-final finish in the 2022 World Cup; Neymar always gave his sweat and blood for the Seleção shirt.
Significantly, both of these times he had to suffer frequent injuries while playing for his then-club PSG.
Neymar will return to his boyhood club and a more familiar environment. Will the comfort zone bring out the beast in the greatest modern-day Brazilian footballer? Only time can tell.
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