In a surprising turn of events, Neymar JR, the renowned Brazilian football star, has inked a two-year contract with Al Hilal, marking his entry into the Saudi Pro League. The agreement, set without an extension option, solidifies Neymar’s commitment to the club until 2025. The footballer, aged 31, is set to embark on a new journey, starting with his debut match against Al Feiha at the prestigious King Fahd International Stadium on the upcoming August 20th.
Under the terms of the contract with Al Hilal, Neymar’s financial gains are substantial. The esteemed player is reported to receive an impressive salary and a package of bonuses, coupled with sponsorship arrangements. This cumulative compensation for his two-year engagement is rumored to reach a staggering 400 million USD, as confirmed by transfer news specialist Fabrizio Romano.
On the morning of August 16th, Al Hilal, a prominent Saudi Pro League club, officially announced the successful acquisition of Neymar’s talents. The club disclosed the substantial value of the contract, reflecting their determination to secure Neymar’s services.
In a video posted by Al Hilal, Neymar is shown completing his medical examinations and signing the contract in Paris, France, prior to his imminent departure to Saudi Arabia for his new club’s preparations. This significant signing places Neymar among the ranks of other illustrious football figures like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mane who have recently joined the Saudi Pro League.
In the video clip, Neymar enthusiastically proclaims, “I have arrived in Saudi Arabia. I am now a player of Al Hilal.” This statement rapidly gained momentum, amassing an astounding 32 million views within a mere 39 minutes, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Meanwhile, Neymar’s former club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), reportedly earned a total transfer fee of around 153 million USD for Neymar’s departure, inclusive of various fees and supplementary considerations. Despite his transition, Neymar remains under contract with PSG until June 2027. This necessitated Al Hilal to present a substantial offer to secure Neymar’s release from his PSG contract, alongside an enticing salary package to convince the player to make this move.
Looking forward, Neymar has expressed his future aspirations. After the culmination of his contract in 2025, he intends to return to European football as he prepares for the highly anticipated World Cup in 2026. During his time at PSG, Neymar participated in 173 matches, netting an impressive 118 goals and contributing 77 assists. However, his journey was marked by 119 missed matches due to various physical issues and injuries.
