Neymar Jr. made his first appearance in over a year, coming off the bench in the second half of Al Hilal’s AFC Champions League Elite match against Al Ain, after suffering a serious ligament tear.
The Brazilian star replaced Nasser Al Dawsari in the 77th minute, soon after Salem Al Dawsari had scored to put Al Hilal 5-3 ahead. He was very impressive, and made a few ‘invasions’ in the game .
Al Ain, based in the United Arab Emirates, scored a last-gasp penalty to make the score 5-4 in Al Hilal’s favor.
After the game, Neymar made the following statement:
“I feel good… I always have a good team. I’m so happy. I’m back! I’m back!
The former Paris Saint Germain player experienced a cruciate knee tendon injury during Brazil’s qualifier against Uruguay not long after joining the Saudi Pro League (SPL). In November of last year, he went for a surgery.
Neymar had signed with Al Hilal for €90 million in August 2023 from PSG, but he only played five games before getting injured.
Neymar had been out of the game for more than a year and longed to get back to what he loves so much.
His return is the joy of millions of fans all over the world.
In response, Brazil’s Football Confederation (CBF) sent Neymar the following message:
“Neymar is the representation of the magic of Brazilian football and captivates fans from all over the world. Fans from all over the planet proudly wear shirts of the Brazilian National Team, Santos, PSG, Barcelona and Al-Hilal with the number 10 and Neymar’s name on the back. The CBF celebrates and congratulates Neymar, one of the greatest players in the history of world football, on his return to the pitch.”
The forward, who is Brazil’s untouched leading scorer, missed the 2024 Copa América that was won by Argentina.
He is now qualified to play in the AFC Champions League as there are no restrictions on the number of foreign players. However, he will only be able to be registered in January for the second half of the Saudi Pro League season.
Eight foreign players born before 2003 can be registered for the squad, while the rules allow for two foreign players born in 2003 or after. Neymar’s contract with Al Hilal expires in June 2025.
Meanwhile, the Brazil Football Confederation (CBF), are confident of having Neymar available for the November World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Uruguay.
After 10 games, Brazil is fourth in their World Cup qualifying group, four points behind leaders Argentina.
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