In a startling transition, Neymar departs from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) shortly after teammate Kylian Mbappe’s return to the first-team roster. Eager for “new challenges and opportunities in new places,” Neymar, at 31, echoes the moves of other football greats like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema by joining the Middle East’s football scene.
Neymar’s excitement about the move shines through his words, “I have always wanted to be a global player… I want to write new sporting history.
Neymar’s Legacy at PSG
The Brazilian forward, who transferred from Barcelona to PSG in 2017 for a staggering 222 million euros ($242 million), left a mark on the club with 118 goals in 173 appearances. Despite winning multiple Ligue 1 titles and French Cups, Neymar’s journey with PSG wasn’t entirely smooth. Recurrent injuries marred his performance, and his absence in key games, including the 2020 Champions League final against Bayern Munich, was palpable.
The Financial Side and Future Aspirations
As Neymar steps into Al-Hilal, reports suggest his earnings could be around “100 million euros a season.”
PSG might not retrieve their initial investment for Neymar, but sources claim the club could still benefit close to 100 million euros from this deal. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi commemorated Neymar’s contribution, stating, “Neymar will always be a big part of our history.” As Neymar sets his sights on Al-Hilal, one of Saudi Arabia’s elite clubs and a four-time Asian Champions League winner, the French football community buzzes with the idea that Neymar’s departure might have been a crucial condition for Mbappe’s contract extension with PSG.
