Neymar Leaves Al Hilal, Returns to Santos After Short Stint in Saudi Arabia
Neymar has officially ended his contract with Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal by mutual consent, after a disappointing seven-match spell marred by injuries. The Brazilian forward has now made a return to his former club, Santos, where his career began.
After joining Al Hilal in August 2023 for a hefty £77.6 million, Neymar only managed to score once in his limited appearances. As part of the contract termination, the club paid him a substantial settlement ranging from £24 million to £56 million.
Despite the injury setbacks, Neymar’s move back to Santos marks a new chapter. The forward shared an emotional message in a video, recalling his journey and expressing gratitude to the fans. He said, “It feels like I'm going back in time. Santos is the place where I can prepare for the future challenges ahead.”
During his first tenure with Santos, Neymar won multiple titles, including the Copa Libertadores, and established himself as one of the world’s top football talents. His return to the Brazilian club signifies his desire to regain fitness and find a fresh start after a turbulent period since leaving PSG.