“With the names that have gone to Saudi Arabia, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Saudi Pro League is now better than Ligue 1,” Neymar said before Brazil’s match against Bolivia in the 2026 World Cup qualifier – South America region. “I guarantee that football in Saudi Arabia is similar to other top leagues. The ball is round and there is a goal on the field.”

Neymar returned to play for Brazil despite just recovering from injury. Photo: AFPNeymar returned to play for Brazil despite just recovering from injury.

For many years, Neymar has been in the group of world-class players. The Brazilian striker won eight titles with Barca, including two La Liga, one Champions League, 13 titles with PSG, including five Ligue 1. This summer, he suddenly moved to Al Hilal with a season salary of 200 million USD, equivalent to equivalent to the income of Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr and Karim Benzema at Al Ittihad.

“I want to win titles with Al Hilal,” Neymar affirmed. “Everyone talked about competitiveness when I went to France, but that’s where I had the most difficult time. I’m sure it won’t be easy to win in Saudi Arabia, when the clubs are stronger with names. The championship race will be very interesting and you will definitely be watching.”

Neymar has not played any matches for Al Hilal due to injury, but was still called up to the Brazilian national team. The 31-year-old striker explained that he could play in Al Hilal’s most recent match, when the home team won 4-3 against Al Ittihad in round 5 of the Saudi Pro League on September 1, but coach Jorge Jesus did not take the risk and sat him out. to be able to join the team.

After this team gathering, Neymar can make his Al Hilal debut in the match against Al Riyadh in the sixth round of the Saudi Pro League on September 16. “The pace in training sessions is very intense, my team has a desire to win. I want to win the title with Al Hilal. My spirit has not changed,” Neymar said.

According to the Brazilian striker, winning the Saudi Pro League is not simple because every club has stars from Europe. “I’m sure this will be an attractive tournament. Please wait and see,” said the former Barca player.

To date, Neymar is still the most expensive player in the world when PSG recruited him from Barca in the summer of 2017 for 263 million USD. He is also the player with the highest transfer fee recruited by a Saudi Arabian club. Neymar signed for two years with Al Hilal and received a salary of 162 million USD per year.​