Neymar made his return to football on October 21, 2024, in Al Hilal’s 5-4 away win over Al-Ain after over a one-year absence from the round leather game.
Neymar Returns To Competitive Football
The Brazil international was introduced in the 77th minute of the aforementioned AFC Champions League Elite West clash, replacing Nasser Al Dawsari.
How Was Neymar’s First Game After He Returned From Injury?
Neymar, who is widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation, had an impressive cameo appearance, completing 4 out of 5 passes, and being successful with 1 out of 2 dribbles.
The 32-year-old also had 13 touches on the ball, including 1 in the opposition’s box, and he made 1 pass into the final third.
He came close to marking his return with a goal following an Al-Hilal counter-attack, but it was Al-Ain who recovered possession to pull a goal back late on.
Renan Lodi put Al Hilal ahead in the 26th minute before Sergej Milinkovic Savic doubled their lead in the 2nd minute of added time in the first half.
Salem Al-Dawsari also scored a hat-trick to help secure the victory for Jorge Jesus’ side. Additionally, Al-Ain’s goals came via Mateo Sanabria and a hat-trick from Soufiane Rahimi.
Speaking in footage shared by Al Hilal, Neymar expressed his happiness to be back to football.
Neymar’s Injury
Neymar was ruled out of action for a lengthy period after sustaining an acute cruciate ligament injury on October 18, 2023, in Brazil’s 2-0 loss to Uruguay in the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The former Barcelona man had to undergo surgery in November 2023 due to the nature of his injury, and he was sidelined for 12 months, resulting in him missing several games and competitions, including the 2024 Copa America.
Despite missing many games for Al Hilal last season, Neymar still experienced triumph, as he got his hands on the Saudi Pro League title.
Happenings In Neymar’s Life Following The ACL Injury
During his long-term absence from football, the 32-year-old welcomed his third child and also rekindled his love affair with partner Bruna Biancardi.
Neymar joined Al Hilal from Paris Saint Germain in the summer of 2023 for a fee of €90 million and he has made 6 appearances for the former, scoring 1 goal and providing 3 assists in all competitions.
Who Is Neymar?
He is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a left winger, attacking midfielder or forward for Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal and the Brazil national team.
Neymar’s Personal Information?
Neymar was born on February 5, 1992, in Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil, to father Neymar Santos Sr. and mother Nadine da Silva.
He has a younger sister, whose name is Rafaella Santos, and she was born in March 1996.
The Brazilian is currently in a relationship with Bruna Biacardi, and they have one child together, a daughter, whose name is Mavie, and she was born in October 2023.
Neymar also welcomed son Davie from a previous relationship with Carolina Dantas, whom he dated between 2010 and 2011.
Interestingly, the 32-year-old is the father of Helena, whom he reportedly shares with Brazilian model Amanda Kimberlly and she was born in July 2024.
His Market Value And Net Worth?
Neymar’s market value is €30 million, while his net worth is estimated to be between the region of €200 million – €250 million.
Neymar’s Salary?
The Brazil international earns about €1.9 million per week at Al Hilal.
Clubs He Has Played For In His Career?
He has played for several clubs in his career, including; Santos, Barcelona, and Paris Saint Germain.
Neymar Career Stats
Neymar has made 510 club career appearances, scoring 301 goals and providing 194 assists in all competitions.
Internationally, he is the all-time top scorer for Brazil, with 79 goals and 59 assists in 128 appearances.
Neymar’s Achievements?
Neymar has won several trophies in his career, including 1 UEFA Champions League, 1 FIFA Club World Cup, 5 French Ligue 1 titles, 2 La Liga, 1 Saudi Pro League, and 1 Olympic Gold medal.
His Position?
Neymar functions primarily as a left-winger, but he can also be utilized as a second striker and in the attacking midfield department.
