Brazilian celebrity Neymar has determined to embark on a brand new chapter in his profession, one which takes him again to the place all of it started—Santos. This transfer comes at an amazing monetary sacrifice, as he leaves behind an astronomical wage with Saudi Professional League facet Al-Hilal. Neymar’s choice displays his dedication to revitalize his profession and prioritize health, even at the price of his wealth.
The Brazilian icon started his skilled journey with Santos in 2009 at simply 17 years previous. Over the subsequent 4 years, he scored a formidable 136 objectives in 225 appearances, turning into a family title and incomes a switch to Barcelona in 2013. From Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain and ultimately to Al-Hilal in 2023, Neymar’s profession trajectory has been marked by record-breaking transfers, stellar performances, and unlucky accidents.
His €222 million switch from Barcelona to PSG in 2017 stays the costliest in soccer historical past. In 2023, he moved to Al-Hilal for a €90 million switch price, becoming a member of a rising listing of world superstars interested in the Saudi Professional League. Nonetheless, the veteran’s time in Saudi Arabia was short-lived and fraught with accidents.
Powerful spell at Al-Hilal
Neymar joined Al-Hilal in August 2023, however his stint with the membership was something however easy. Simply two months after signing, he suffered a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage whereas representing Brazil in a World Cup qualifier. After months of restoration, he returned to motion in late 2024 however was quickly sidelined once more with a hamstring damage. In whole, he made simply seven appearances for the Saudi membership, scoring solely as soon as in an AFC Champions League match in opposition to Nassaji Mazandaran.
These accidents, mixed with health considerations, led to mutual frustration. As Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus candidly remarked, “He can now not play on the stage we’re used to. Issues have grow to be tough for him, sadly.”
On January 27, 2025, Al-Hilal confirmed the termination of Neymar’s contract. The membership issued a press release thanking Neymar for his contributions: “The membership expresses its thanks and appreciation to Neymar for what he has supplied all through his profession at Al-Hilal, and we want the participant success in his profession.”
Monumental monetary sacrifice
Strolling away from his contract with Al-Hilal got here at a staggering price for Neymar. Fabrizio Romano means that the celebrity is forfeiting roughly €62 million in remaining wages, a sum that highlights the big monetary sacrifice he’s making to maneuver ahead. Neymar’s wage in Riyadh was reported to be round €100million yearly, making this one of many greatest pay cuts in fashionable soccer historical past.
Neymar’s anticipated earnings at Santos will pale as compared. Santos’ highest-paid gamers reportedly earn simply €24,360 per week, a determine that represents lower than Neymar’s day by day earnings in Saudi Arabia. Even when Neymar’s wages at Santos rise to €50,000 per week—a speculative determine—it nonetheless displays a 96.67% pay minimize.
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