Al-Hilal TERMINATE Neymar's contract after just seven appearances – with homecoming transfer to Santos now imminent for Brazil superstar

Al-Hilal have terminated Neymar’s contract after seeing him make just seven appearances, with the path cleared for the Brazilian to return to Santos.

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• Moved to the Saudi Pro League in 2023
• Injuries have stunted progress in Middle East
• Expected to return to his boyhood club

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The South American superstar, who remains the most expensive player of all-time following his €222 million (£186m/$232m) transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, endured a torrid time with injuries during a forgettable spell in the Saudi Pro League.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  He moved to the Middle East in 2023, as he followed Lionel Messi through the exits at PSG, but suffered knee ligament damage while on 2026 World Cup qualifying duty with his country a matter of weeks after signing a lucrative contract in Riyadh.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Neymar returned to action in October 2024, only to then pick up a hamstring complaint. With fitness issues holding him back, and funds to be freed up by moving him on, Al-Hilal have taken the decision to release the 32-year-old forward.

• WHAT AL-HILAL SAID

  A statement on the club’s reads: “Al Hilal Club Company and Neymar Jr have agreed to terminate their contractual relationship by mutual consent. The club expresses its thanks and appreciation to Neymar for what he has provided throughout his career at Al-Hilal, and wish the player success in his career.”