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Brazilian star Neymar has dominated headlines but once more, not for his on-field brilliance, however for his staggering wage throughout an injury-riddled season with Saudi Professional League aspect Al-Hilal. After transferring to the Center East, Neymar’s 2024 season encapsulated the extremes of recent soccer: astronomical salaries juxtaposed with restricted on-field impression. With simply 42 minutes of play throughout two matches, the ex-Barcelona ace’s earnings spark a debate concerning the worth and price of high-profile transfers in soccer.
In the summertime of 2023, Neymar left Paris Saint-Germain, the place he had gained 5 Ligue 1 titles, to affix Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal. The switch was reported to price a staggering €90 million, signaling the Saudi Professional League’s rising ambition to draw top-tier expertise. Neymar signed a two-year deal, reportedly incomes €101 million yearly, making him one of many highest-paid athletes globally.
Regardless of such a big funding, the Brazilian’s time in Saudi Arabia has been affected by accidents. A torn ACL throughout a World Cup qualifier in October 2023 sidelined him for a whole 12 months, limiting his appearances for Al-Hilal.
Neymar’s 2024 contribution: Two matches, €2.4m per minute
In 2024, Neymar performed simply 42 minutes throughout two matches for Al-Hilal, logging 45 touches in complete. His temporary outings got here within the AFC Champions League in opposition to Al Ain and Esteghlal, the place he featured in its place. But, even with such restricted motion, the 32-year-old collected his full annual wage, averaging an astonishing €2.4 million per minute performed or €1.12 million per contact, as calculated by Foot Mercato.
Such figures underscore the monetary dangers golf equipment take when investing in high-profile gamers. Regardless of Neymar’s lack of availability, the Blue Waves have already spent almost €300 million on his switch payment and wages since his arrival.
Neymar’s wage in context: How he compares to different soccer icons
Neymar’s earnings place him among the many elite of soccer’s highest-paid gamers. In keeping with Foot Mercato, the highest 5 earners in 2024 have been:
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr): €263 millionLionel Messi (Inter Miami): €124 millionNeymar (Al-Hilal): €101 millionKarim Benzema (Al-Ittihad): €96 millionKylian Mbappe (PSG/Actual Madrid): €83 million
Whereas Ronaldo and Messi dominate the listing with their enduring international enchantment, Neymar’s third-place place highlights the monetary muscle of the Saudi Professional League. His €101 million paycheck dwarfs even that of Mbappe, who reportedly took a large pay reduce to make his Actual Madrid dream come true.
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