While 1win download tracks player performances across global leagues, Neymar’s statistics in Saudi Arabia tell an extraordinary story of wealth rather than achievement. With €101 million earned for just 42 minutes of playing time in the past year, the Brazilian superstar has redefined the concept of return on investment in football.
The Golden Bench: A Year of Injuries and Earnings
Neymar’s 2024 has seen him make just two appearances – against Al-Ain (5-4) and Esteghlal (3-0), with the latter ending in yet another injury setback. His time at Al-Hilal has been plagued by various health issues, including a cruciate ligament rupture, muscular problems, and hamstring concerns. In total, he has missed 463 days through injury in just eighteen months at the club, managing only seven appearances with one goal and three assists to his name.
Despite his limited contribution on the field, Neymar maintains a positive outlook about the Saudi Pro League. Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s assessment, he controversially suggested that the competition surpasses France’s Ligue 1 in quality. “At PSG, I wasn’t happy anymore,” Neymar explained. “The club and coach no longer wanted to use me. When I received Al-Hilal’s offer, I was pleasantly surprised by the club, local culture, and championship. The reception and kindness from fans have been overwhelming. The league is growing, as is our team. My family and I are confident we made the right decision.”
The Replacement Strategy
Al-Hilal’s management, while appreciating Neymar’s diplomatic statements to the media, has reportedly acknowledged their signing as a miscalculation. According to Spanish newspaper Diario AS, the club is already planning for life after Neymar, with Mohamed Salah emerging as their primary target to become the new face of the team.
The Egyptian star has already indicated this will be his final season at Liverpool, and Al-Hilal’s offer dwarfs competing bids. Their proposed two-year contract worth €200 million represents four times what PSG is willing to offer Salah, demonstrating the Saudi club’s continued commitment to attracting global stars, albeit perhaps with a more strategic approach following their experience with Neymar.
The Uncertain Future
Despite his injury struggles, Neymar maintains ambitious plans for his future, particularly regarding the 2026 World Cup: “I’ll try my best to be there. I want to be part of the national team. I know this might be my last World Cup, my final chance, and I’ll do everything possible to participate.”
However, with his Al-Hilal contract expiring in six months, questions about his next destination have begun to surface. While Inter Miami seemed a natural fit, reuniting him with Messi and Suarez, manager Javier Mascherano quickly dismissed this possibility, citing MLS salary cap restrictions: “Obviously, Neymar is an excellent player, but you know the league’s rules regarding salary caps.”
A surprising offer came from Memphis Depay, who invited Neymar to join him at Corinthians. The Brazilian declined out of respect for his boyhood club Santos, stating: “Santos is above all. They gave the world a king [Pelé] and a prince [Neymar]. I respect Corinthians, but I must also respect Santos. It’s my beloved team.”
This period in Saudi Arabia may represent more than just a lucrative twilight to Neymar’s career. At 31, he still possesses the talent to compete at the highest level, but his injury record and astronomical wages significantly limit his options. The coming months will prove crucial in determining whether he can revive his career and achieve his World Cup ambitions, or if his Saudi Arabian sojourn marks the beginning of a gradual fade from football’s elite stage.
For Al-Hilal, the experience has provided valuable lessons about the risks of investing heavily in marquee signings, potentially influencing their approach to future transfers. Their pursuit of Salah suggests a preference for reliability and consistency over pure star power, though time will tell if this strategy proves more successful.