Neymar Returns to Action After Year-Long Injury Absence

Neymar has made his long-awaited return to the football pitch after over a year out due to an ACL injury. The 32-year-old forward joined Al-Hilal, owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) in 2023 in a surprising £78 million move from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). However, Neymar’s time at his new club ended prematurely as he played only five games before sustaining the injury during an international break last year.

On Monday evening, Neymar made his sixth appearance for Al-Hilal in a dramatic 5-4 victory over rivals Al-Ain in the AFC Champions League Elite. He came off the bench in the 77th minute, 369 days after his last match. Although he did not score, Neymar showcased flashes of the brilliance that has defined his career, nearly finding the net after leading a counter-attack but the Al-Ain goalkeeper denied him.

He also displayed his trademark flair by nutmegging an opponent before a foul brought him down. Neymar’s girlfriend, Bruna Biancardi, their daughter Mavie and her parents attended to witness his comeback. In a recent emotional interview, he reflected on the challenges of being away from football, expressing, “What I want most in life is to play football. I have suffered every day I’ve been away from the pitch.”

Before his injury, he contributed one goal and three assists in five appearances for Al-Hilal and his contract is set to expire next year, though the club offers an option to extend for another 12 months. Earlier, Neymar attracted attention when fans in Saudi Arabia booed him at the Six Kings Slam event, chanting “Ronaldo! Ronaldo!” in support of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has thrived at Al-Nassr.

Neymar also chatted with Rafael Nadal, who recently lost in an exhibition match to Carlos Alcaraz.