Perhaps a new chapter in global football’s shifting landscape. But by January 2025, that chapter abruptly ended: why Neymar left Al Hilal became a burning question across sports media and fan circles alike. In this article, CantoKick will dive into the real reasons behind his exit, the toll of injuries, the financial compromises, the sporting frustrations — and what lies ahead for one of the most polarizing talents in modern football.
A Monumental Signing That Never Fully Took Off
When Neymar arrived at Al Hilal in August 2023, the move was nothing short of headline-making. Reports claimed a €90 million transfer fee and an annual salary sensationally high — making him one of the most expensive and highest-paid players in world football.
Yet, he played just seven official matches, scored one goal, and tallied three assists before his contract was terminated.
These bare statistics hint at the frustrations facing both club and player — far.
The Injury Saga: A Career’s Major Turning Point
A Crucial Knee Injury
In October 2023, Neymar suffered a devastating knee injury — a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament combined with meniscus damage — while representing Brazil in a World Cup qualifier. This was a turning point. The damage sidelined him for a prolonged recovery and robbed him of vital rhythm and momentum.
Even when he attempted a comeback in October 2024 during an AFC Champions League match, the spell was short-lived. A hamstring issue soon followed, further derailing his chances of regaining form.
Injuries, then, were not just incidental setbacks — they became the core reason he never truly became part of the Al Hilal machinery.
Recurring Fitness Concerns
Beyond the big knee blow, Neymar’s time in Riyadh was plagued with recurring issues. Muscle strains, fatigue, lack of match sharpness — all piled up. The coaching staff reportedly began to doubt whether he could deliver at the level they expected in Saudi league and continental competitions. Eventually, statements from Al Hilal’s coach admitted that Neymar “can no longer perform at the level we are used to.”
In short: the injuries undermined not just his availability, but also the club’s belief in his long-term viability.
Sporting Frustration and Unmet Expectations
Limited Playing Time & Absence. That is a stark symbol of how margins had narrowed — a marquee signing reduced to a peripheral figure.
His minimal involvement hardly justifies the wages and hype that accompanied him. Fans, teammates, and even management must have questioned whether the gamble was ever realistic.
Tactical Misfits & Coach’s Perspective
The coach’s public remarks were telling., he questioned Neymar’s consistency and stamina relative to the system Al Hilal was building. In that environment, the Brazilian’s stylistic flair and injury disruptions made it difficult for the coaching staff to rely on him. The disconnect between expectation and performance became unbridgeable.
Financial Compromise: The Hidden Cost of Exit
Terminating a contract with a player of Neymar’s status was never going to be simple or cheap. However, reports suggest Neymar waived a substantial portion of his unpaid wages (some sources say around €65 million) to facilitate the separation. In effect, he sacrificed earnings to leave the club, which speaks volumes about his desire to move on despite the financial hit.
From the club’s perspective, paying a severance package — along with absorbing the sunk costs of his transfer and wages — underscores just how far the Al Hilal–Neymar story diverged.
The Mutual Parting: “By Consent,” But With Tension
Officially, the contract was terminated by “mutual consent.” That’s the diplomatic phrasing; in reality, it was a break born of necessity on both sides.
For Al Hilal, the burden of paying for a largely unavailable star was unsustainable. For Neymar, lingering on would likely erode his value further — and delay any attempt at rebooting his career.
The split opened the door for speculation of his return to Brazil, with Santos being the club most often mentioned as his next destination.
What Happens Now? Neymar’s Path Forward
In the immediate aftermath, Neymar returned to his boyhood club Santos. The move carries emotional weight and gives him a chance to reassert himself away, and the confidence required to reenter top-level football or push for another high-profile transfer? His new chapter hinges on health, performance — and perhaps a bit of humility.
Neymar will also face scrutiny with Brazil’s national team. The 2026 World Cup looms, and his ability to compete at the international level again may depend on the success of this reset.
Conclusion
Why Neymar left Al Hilal can’t be narrowed to a single cause. It was an intricate combination: the catastrophic knee injury, recurring fitness issues, tactical doubts, limited playing time, and ultimately financial compromise. These forces converged to make the relationship untenable.
Now, as Neymar begins anew, fans and analysts alike will watch how he rebuilds. From Al Hilal’s grand ambitions to a return to Brazil, the narrative around his legacy is forever altered — but the star remains.
CantoKick invites you to follow Neymar’s next chapters: stay tuned for match updates, performance stats, and dee
