Tue. Jul 29th, 2025

Neymar Terminates Contract with Al Hilal, Set for Santos Return

Neymar Terminates Contract with Al Hilal, Set for Santos Return

Brazilian football sensation Neymar has parted ways with Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, terminating his contract by mutual consent. The club announced the departure through an official statement, leaving Neymar free to negotiate with other teams. Speculation is rife that the star forward may be heading back to his boyhood club, Santos.

Al Hilal’s brief statement expressed gratitude for Neymar’s contributions during his tenure and wished him success in his future endeavors. The Brazilian’s stint in Saudi Arabia, which began with much fanfare, has ended prematurely. Plagued by injuries, Neymar’s impact on the field was limited, having played only 42 minutes in the current season.

The club’s decision to exclude Neymar from their Saudi Pro League squad was confirmed by coach Jorge Jesus, who cited the player’s physical challenges in keeping up with the team’s pace. Jesus acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, noting that Neymar’s ability to perform at his expected level had been compromised.

With his status now as a free agent, all signs point to Neymar returning to Santos, the club that launched his professional career over a decade ago. This move aligns with Neymar’s expressed goal of regaining his form in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, which he has indicated could be his last. “I know it’s my last World Cup, my last chance. I’ll do everything possible,” Neymar stated, underscoring the importance of this career move.

As Neymar’s chapter with Al Hilal closes, the football world eagerly anticipates the official announcement of his next destination, with a homecoming to Santos appearing increasingly likely.

By Vihaan Mehrotra

In the heart of Bangalore lives and works Vihaan Mehrotra, one of modern India's most insightful sports analysts. His childhood passion for cricket and field hockey evolved into a successful career. His daily column in Bangalore's digital media covers all significant world sporting events, from cricket matches to badminton tournaments. As a sports betting expert, he developed his own methodology for analyzing team statistics. His IPL match predictions are renowned for their 75% accuracy rate.

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