Brazilian superstar Neymar Have decided to go into a new chapter in his career, one that takes him back to where it all began –Santos. This movement comes at a huge economic victim, because he leaves behind Astronomical salary With the Saudi Pro League side al-Hilal. Neymar’s decision reflects his determination to revive his career and prioritize fitness, even at the expense of his wealth.
The Brazilian icon began his professional journey with Santos in 2009 in just 17 years old. Over the next four years he made an impressive 136 goals in 225 performances, became a household name and earned a transfer to Barcelona 2013. From Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain and eventually to Al-Hilal 2023, Neymar’s career course has been marked by Record -breaking transfers, star performances and unhappy injuries.
His transfer of € 222 million from Barcelona to PSG 2017 is still the most expensive in football history. In 2023 he moved to al-Hilal for a transfer fee of 90 million euros and joined a growing list of global superstars attracted to the Saudi Pro League. However, the veteran’s time in Saudi Arabia was short -lived and full of injuries.
Tough spell on al-hilal
Neymar joined Al-Hilal in August 2023, but his stint with the club was anything but smooth. Just two months after the signing, he received a devastating anterior Cruciate ligament (ACL) while representing Brazil in a World Cup qualifier. After months of recovery, he returned to action at the end of 2024 but was soon re -put with a hamstrings injury. In total, he made only seven performances for the Saudi club and made only once in an AFC Champions League match against Nassaji Mazandaran.
These injuries, combined with fitness problems, led to mutual frustration. As al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus pointed out sincerely, “He can no longer play at the level we are used to. Unfortunately, things have become difficult for him. “
On January 27, 2025, Al-Hilal confirmed the termination of Neymar’s contract. The club issued a statement that thanked Neymar for its contributions: “The club expresses his thank you and appreciation for Neymar for what he has provided throughout his career at Al-Hilal, and we wish the player success in his career.”
Monumental economic victim
Going away from its contract with al-Hilal came at an astonishing cost for Neymar. Fabrizio Romano suggests that the superstar loses approximately 62 million euros in remaining salaryA sum that illustrates the huge economic victim he makes to move on. Neymar’s salary in Riyadh was reported to be About € 100 Millions annuallyWhich makes this one of the largest wage cuts in modern football history.
Neymar’s expected revenue on Santos will bleach in comparison. Santo’s highest paid players are reportedly only earned 24 360 € per weeka figure representing less than Neymars Daily revenue in Saudi Arabia. Although Neymar’s salary on Santos rises to € 50,000 per week – a speculative figure – it still reflects a 96.67% pay cut.
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