Neymar Jr Breaks Silence Following Al-Hilal Departure: A Return to Santos on the Horizon

Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr. has addressed his abrupt departure from Al-Hilal, just 18 months into his tenure with the Saudi Pro League giants. The forward, who joined the Middle Eastern club in the summer of 2023 for a record-breaking €90 million, now finds himself a free agent after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract.

The Next Chapter: A Return to Santos

Neymar is on the brink of returning to Santos, the club where his footballing journey began and where he rose to stardom as a teenage sensation. According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, the deal is “imminent,” with both parties reportedly agreeing on the move.

“Formal steps to follow next week for the final formula of the deal from Al Hilal and contracts to be checked. Neymar already said yes to the move,” Romano revealed on X.

The proposed deal is expected to run until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with an option for an additional year. Santos, having recently secured their place back in Brazil’s Serie A, are eagerly anticipating the return of their prodigal son, hoping his presence will galvanize the team.

A Difficult Spell at Al-Hilal

Neymar’s time at Al-Hilal was far from what fans or the player envisioned. Touted as one of the marquee signings of the Saudi Pro League’s ambitious recruitment drive, his stint was riddled with setbacks.

The forward’s campaign was derailed by a cruciate ligament injury sustained during international duty with Brazil, which sidelined him for the majority of his time in Saudi Arabia. After recovering, Neymar faced another blow when he found himself unregistered for league action, signaling the club’s decision to part ways with the star.

In total, Neymar made just seven appearances for Al-Hilal, a disappointing statistic given the excitement surrounding his high-profile arrival.

Neymar’s Farewell Message

Taking to social media, Neymar expressed his gratitude and reflected on his time in Saudi Arabia, leaving a heartfelt message for Al-Hilal fans and the country:

“To everyone at Al Hilal, to the fans, thank you! I gave everything to play and wish we enjoyed better times on the pitch together,” Neymar wrote.

“To Saudi, thank you for giving me and my family a new home and new experiences. I now know the real Saudi and have friends for life.

“I always felt your love and passion for the game. I will be following your journey ahead as a club and a country towards 2034. Your future will be incredible; special things are happening, and I will always support you.”

What’s Next for Neymar?

With a verbal agreement in place, Neymar’s return to Santos seems set to reignite his career in familiar surroundings. The move is expected to provide him with a platform to rediscover his best form ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

For Santos fans, the homecoming of one of their greatest exports marks a new chapter of hope and excitement. For Neymar, it represents an opportunity to reconnect with his roots and remind the footballing world of his brilliance.

The transfer awaits formalities, but one thing is clear—Neymar’s journey continues, and all eyes will be on his next steps.