Al-Hilal parted ways with Neymar on Monday evening. The Brazilian star forward's contract was mutually terminated, the top club from Saudi Arabia announced.
After a year filled with injuries and setbacks, Neymar’s chapter with Al-Hilal has come to a premature and anticlimactic end.
The Brazilian superstar, who joined the Saudi Pro League side in a high-profile transfer, was unable to make the impact many had anticipated due to persistent fitness issues. His exclusion from the squad registration for the upcoming season signaled a shift in direction, and now the official termination of his contract has brought his brief and largely unsuccessful stint in the Middle East to a close. In an effort to expedite his departure, Neymar reportedly agreed to waive 15 percent of his remaining salary, a significant gesture that highlights his determination to take the next step in his career.
Initially signed with Al-Hilal until the summer, Neymar’s tenure was expected to be a defining chapter in the Saudi club’s push to establish itself as a global powerhouse. However, injuries and inconsistent form meant that he struggled to deliver the performances that had earned him the reputation of one of football’s biggest stars. While his talent was never in question, his time in Saudi Arabia was marked by a sense of unfulfilled potential, leaving both the player and the club ready to move on. With the termination of his contract, Neymar now has a clear path to return to his boyhood club, Santos, in Brazil a move that has sparked excitement among fans and the footballing world alike.
For Neymar, a return to Santos represents more than just a homecoming. It is an opportunity to reconnect with the club where his journey to global stardom began. Between 2009 and 2013, Neymar dazzled at Santos, leading the team to numerous domestic and international triumphs, including the Copa Libertadores. His performances during that period caught the attention of European giants, ultimately earning him a transfer to Barcelona. At the Catalan club, Neymar reached the pinnacle of his career, forming part of the legendary attacking trio alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. Together, they won numerous titles, including the UEFA Champions League in 2015 a crowning achievement in Neymar’s illustrious career.
Now, at 32, Neymar sees a return to Santos as an opportunity to rejuvenate his career and prepare for the next chapter. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the forward hopes to re-establish himself as a key player for the Brazilian national team. Representing Brazil on the world stage has always been a source of pride for Neymar, and he is determined to make the squad for what could be his final World Cup appearance. Playing regularly for Santos would provide him with the platform to regain match fitness, sharpen his skills, and remind the world of his brilliance.
Santos, for its part, is eager to welcome back its prodigal son. The club has struggled in recent years to replicate the success it enjoyed during Neymar’s first stint, and his return could bring a much-needed boost both on and off the pitch. Fans are already anticipating the impact Neymar’s presence will have, not just in terms of his performances but also in reigniting the passion and excitement that characterized his earlier years with the team. The return of a player of Neymar’s caliber is expected to galvanize the squad, attract greater attention to the league, and inspire the next generation of Brazilian talent.
While only a few formalities remain before the move is officially announced, the footballing world is already buzzing with anticipation. Neymar’s decision to return to Santos has been met with widespread approval, with many viewing it as a fitting chapter in the career of a player who has always maintained a deep connection to his roots. The move also underscores a broader trend of established stars seeking to return to their boyhood clubs, driven by a desire to give back to the institutions that shaped them and to find fulfillment beyond the pressures of Europe’s elite leagues.
In the grand scheme of Neymar’s career, this return to Santos could be a defining moment. It offers him the chance to rewrite the narrative of his final years as a professional player, focusing on passion, legacy, and impact. For Santos, it is an opportunity to rebuild and re-establish itself as a force in Brazilian football. For Brazilian fans, it is a chance to witness one of their greatest players donning the iconic white jersey once again. As the football world waits for the final announcement, one thing is certain: Neymar’s journey has come full circle, and the next chapter promises to be as captivating as the ones that came before.
