Neymar’s injury-hit stint at Al-Hilal ends by mutual consent, sparking speculation about his return to Brazil ahead of the 2026 World Cup

[dropcap]B[/dropcap]razilian football icon Neymar has parted ways with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal after an injury-marred 18 months.

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The club announced on Monday that they had “agreed to terminate the player’s contract by mutual consent.”

In a statement posted on social media, Al-Hilal expressed gratitude for Neymar’s contributions, despite his limited appearances.

“The club expresses its thanks and appreciation to Neymar for what he has provided throughout his career with Al-Hilal and wishes the player success in his career,” the statement read.

Neymar, 32, joined Al-Hilal in August 2023 with a lucrative reported salary of $104 million per year. However, injuries limited the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star to just seven matches during his tenure.

The Brazilian forward’s struggles began shortly after his arrival in Riyadh. In October 2023, he ruptured a cruciate ligament in his left knee while representing Brazil in a World Cup qualifier, sidelining him for nearly a year.

Upon his return in late 2024, he managed only brief appearances before a hamstring injury ruled him out again.

Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus recently admitted that Neymar could no longer perform at the expected level, stating, “Things have become difficult for him, unfortunately.”

Despite his setbacks, Neymar remains focused on the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Earlier this month, he told CNN, “I know this will be my last World Cup, my last shot, my last chance, and I will do everything I can to play in it.”

Reports suggest Neymar may return to his boyhood club Santos in Brazil, where he rose to prominence before moving to Europe.

The Santos talks represent a potential homecoming for the player, who is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 127 matches.

Neymar began his professional career with Santos, scoring 107 goals in 177 appearances. In 2013, he joined Barcelona, forming a formidable trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. Together, they secured the 2015 UEFA Champions League title.

In 2017, Paris Saint-Germain signed Neymar for a record-breaking €220 million (£195 million), where he won five Ligue 1 titles.

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Despite his success, personal rivalries and injuries hampered his Paris stint. A move to Al-Hilal in 2023 followed, but persistent injuries overshadowed his time in Saudi Arabia.