Neymar leaves Al-Hilal with Santos homecoming close

Neymar has had his contract with Al-Hilal terminated by mutual consent, with the Brazilian reportedly set to rejoin his boyhood club Santos.

The Saudi Pro League champions paid €90million to acquire Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, but his time in the Gulf has been overshadowed by injuries.

He suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury while representing Brazil in October 2023, returning 12 months later but sustaining a hamstring issue in his second game back.

The 32-year-old had seven months remaining on his contract, reportedly worth €150m per year, but that deal has been cancelled after just seven appearances.

Al-Hilal said in a statement: "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."

Al Hilal and Neymar Jr. have agreed to terminate the player’s contract by mutual consent.Thank you and good luck,Neymar pic.twitter.com/9edCVWBGop
— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) January 27, 2025

Neymar had been left unregistered for the Saudi Pro League earlier this month, with Inter Miami linked with a move to take him to MLS.

However, multiple reports have since suggested he is set to return to Santos, who he first joined as an 11-year-old in 2003 before leaving for Barcelona in 2013.

Neymar scored 136 goals in 235 appearances for the Sao Paulo club, who won promotion back to the Brazilian Serie A in 2024 after three years in the second tier.