Neymar and Al-Hilal have mutually agreed to terminate the Brazilian star’s contract, the Saudi club announced on Monday. The 32-year-old forward joined Al-Hilal in a high-profile transfer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in August 2023 for a reported €90 million ($98.5 million). However, injuries limited Neymar to just seven appearances during his time with the club.

Neymar’s stint at Al-Hilal was marred by a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in October 2023, just months after his arrival. The injury sidelined him for a year, and although he returned to action in October 2024, he managed only two additional appearances before being sidelined again in November. His time at Al-Hilal yielded just one goal and two assists.

“The club expresses its thanks and appreciation to Neymar for what he has provided throughout his career with Al-Hilal, and wish the player success in his career,” the club said in a statement.

A High-Profile Signing That Fell Short

Neymar’s move to Al-Hilal was part of Saudi Arabia’s broader push to attract global footballing stars to its league. Following Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, Neymar became one of the marquee signings in the Saudi Pro League. His transfer was seen as a major coup for Al-Hilal, but injuries and limited game time prevented the Brazilian from making a significant impact.

The termination of Neymar’s contract marks the end of a chapter for both the player and the club. Despite his struggles, Neymar remains the Seleção’s all-time leading scorer and one of the most recognizable figures in world football.

A Return to His Roots at Santos

Widely reported in Brazilian media, Neymar is expected to return to his boyhood club, Santos, with an agreement anticipated as early as this week. Santos, which earned promotion back to Brazil’s Serie A in 2024, holds special significance for Neymar, who debuted for the club in 2009. He led Santos to Copa Libertadores glory in 2011, South America’s equivalent of the Champions League, before moving to Barcelona in 2013.

Neymar’s potential return to Santos is a full-circle moment for a player who began his career as one of Brazil’s most promising talents. After his successful stints at Barcelona and PSG, where he won multiple league titles and the Champions League, Neymar’s journey back to Santos is seen as both a homecoming and an opportunity to reestablish his legacy.

Legacy and Next Steps

Despite the challenges at Al-Hilal, Neymar’s career achievements remain remarkable. From forming the legendary “MSN” trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez at Barcelona to becoming the world’s most expensive player with his $263 million transfer to PSG, Neymar’s influence on the sport is undeniable. As he prepares to return to Santos, fans eagerly await the next chapter in the storied career of one of Brazil’s footballing icons.