AFCON 2025
Brazilian football icon, Neymar has confirmed his departure from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal with his next destination being a return to his boyhood club, Santos.
Neymar, 32, made the announcement through a heartfelt message on social media, thanking Al Hilal’s fans and teammates after his contract with the Saudi club was terminated by mutual consent.
The move marks a dramatic shift in Neymar’s career, following his high-profile transfer to Al Hilal in the summer of 2023. His time in the Saudi Pro League was underwhelming, as the forward struggled with injuries and adaptation to the league making just seven appearances.
In his farewell statement, Neymar expressed gratitude to Al Hilal and its supporters: “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.
He continued, “I always felt your love and passion for the game. I will be following your journey ahead as a club and a country towards 2034. Your future will be incredible, special things are happening. And I will always support you !!! 🙏💙🤍🇸🇦.”
Al Hilal said in a statement: ‘The club expresses its thanks and appreciation to Neymar for what he has provided at Al-Hilal, and wish him success in his career.’
However, the big news came it was revealed that Neymar would be leaving Saudi Arabia and returning to Brazil to join Santos FC, the club where he began his professional career.
The move to Santos comes as a surprise to many, as Neymar had been linked with European clubs in the past weeks. His decision to return to his roots has been praised by fans, who have long awaited his eventual return to the club that helped launch his career to global stardom.
