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Neymar's Unbreakable Record: A Feat Neither Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo Can Match

The Brazilian can boast a record that it seems no one else will be able to reach

By Luis Antonio Zamora

The Brazilian can boast a record that it seems no one else will be able to reach
The Brazilian can boast a record that it seems no one else will be able to reach
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The Brazilian can boast a record that it seems no one else will be able to reach. Neymar has the most valuable goal in the history of soccer and it is the only one he scored with Al Hilal in the Asian Champions League, which could be translated as worth his salary during the last year, which was 110 million dollars.

Neymar’s Disappointing Year at Al Hilal and His Return to Santos: A Fresh Start

Neymar Jr.’s one-year stint at Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia has ended with a sense of underachievement. The Brazilian superstar, who made headlines with his massive contract worth $110 million, was expected to elevate the Saudi Pro League and bring global attention to the club. However, his time at Al Hilal was marred by injuries, inconsistent performances, and a lack of synergy with the team, leaving both the player and the club somewhat disappointed. Now, in a surprising turn of events, Neymar is returning to Santos FC, the club where he began his professional career, marking a new chapter in his football journey.

A High-Profile Move to Al Hilal

Neymar’s transfer to Al Hilal in 2023 came with enormous expectations. After a decade-long career in Europe, playing for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Neymar’s move to Saudi Arabia was seen as part of a broader trend of high-profile players heading to the Middle East. Al Hilal, one of the most successful clubs in the region, offered Neymar a lucrative contract that reportedly amounted to $110 million per year, a sum that positioned him among the highest-paid athletes in the world.

The deal generated excitement across the footballing world, with many believing Neymar’s presence would help to raise the profile of the Saudi Pro League and attract more international attention. In his first few months, there were glimpses of Neymar’s magic, but it became increasingly clear that the move to Al Hilal wasn’t as smooth as anticipated.

Injuries and Inconsistent Performances

One of the major factors behind Neymar’s disappointing year in Saudi Arabia was his ongoing struggle with injuries. Throughout his career, Neymar has often been sidelined by various injuries, and this trend continued at Al Hilal. Whether it was muscle strains or minor knocks, the Brazilian forward was unable to maintain consistent form, which greatly hindered his impact on the pitch. The lack of match fitness and regular appearances kept him from finding his rhythm, and as a result, he wasn’t able to deliver the level of performance that was expected of him.

Moreover, Neymar’s playing style, built on flair, quick dribbles, and creating space for his teammates, didn’t seem to fully gel with Al Hilal’s tactical setup. The team, while talented, did not have the same style of play as Neymar’s former European clubs, and his integration into the squad was far from seamless. The lack of chemistry with his teammates led to frustrations on the field, as Neymar struggled to make the same kind of impact he was known for in European football.

Cultural and Environmental Adjustments

In addition to the physical and footballing challenges, Neymar also had to adjust to the cultural and environmental differences in Saudi Arabia. Moving from the vibrant footballing cultures of Barcelona and Paris to Riyadh presented its own set of challenges, both on and off the pitch. The lifestyle in Saudi Arabia was a stark contrast to the cosmopolitan environments Neymar was accustomed to, and the adjustments required to settle into a new country, culture, and league may have contributed to his struggles.

The pressures of adapting to a new environment while dealing with the weight of high expectations could not be underestimated. Neymar, whose off-field presence is just as significant as his on-field performances, found himself under the spotlight in a new and unfamiliar market. The desire to live up to his massive contract and the expectations from fans and the media may have added to the emotional and mental toll.

The Move Back to Santos: A New Beginning

After a frustrating and underwhelming year in Saudi Arabia, Neymar has decided to return to his roots. In January 2025, it was confirmed that Neymar would be returning to Santos FC, the Brazilian club where he first made his name as a teenager. His return to Santos is a significant moment in both his career and the history of the club. Neymar’s time in Europe and Saudi Arabia has solidified his legacy, but his return to Santos signals a new chapter — one that may offer him the opportunity to rediscover his form and play in a more familiar environment.

The move back to Brazil has been seen as a chance for Neymar to rejuvenate his career. At Santos, Neymar will be playing in a league that is perhaps more suited to his style of play, surrounded by players he has known for much of his life. The familiar surroundings of his hometown club may provide the stability and support needed for Neymar to regain the form that made him one of the best players in the world.

For Santos, this move is a historic one. The club is undoubtedly thrilled to have Neymar back, as his return has generated significant excitement among fans and boosted the club's profile. This could also be a smart move for Neymar’s international ambitions, as his performances in Brazil could help secure a spot in the national team for upcoming competitions, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Looking Ahead: Neymar’s Future in Football

While Neymar’s time at Al Hilal has been disappointing, his return to Santos offers hope for a resurgence. The Brazilian forward is still one of the most talented and skilled players in the world, and the challenges of the past year may have given him a renewed sense of motivation to prove himself once again. The move back to Brazil could be the fresh start Neymar needs to rediscover his best form and perhaps even regain his place among the top players in the world.

In conclusion, Neymar’s year at Al Hilal, despite the high expectations and financial rewards, proved to be a difficult chapter in his career. However, his return to Santos offers a new opportunity for both Neymar and the club. The future remains bright for the Brazilian superstar, and this fresh start could be the key to reigniting his footballing legacy.

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Luis Antonio Zamora

Luis Antonio Zamora

Mi pasión al futbol me llevó involucrarme con los medios de comunicación desde hace 12 años, lapso en el que he podido cubrir con diferentes eventos de talla nacional e internacional. Desde que estaba por terminar la licenciatura en medios de comunicación, ya estaba involucrado en programas de radio y prensa escrita. Ingresé a Alvia Media en el 2022 y desde entonces mi perspectiva se enfocó en ofrecer contenido oportuno para los aficionados, esos que se apasionan en cada partido de su equipo, de...


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