In statements that have attracted the attention of the global sports community, Brazilian star Neymar da Silva, the current Santos player, revealed detailed and exciting information about his time at Al-Hilal Saudi Club, highlighting his personal relationships that still exist with his former teammates, in addition to his future investment ambitions that link him to Saudi Arabia and Brazil.
The era of historical transformation and the Al-Hilal experience
Neymar's comments come at a time when Saudi football is experiencing an unprecedented boom. His move to Al-Hilal in the summer of 2013 from Paris Saint-Germain for a fee of €90 million was part of a massive sporting project that has captured global attention. Although the Brazilian maestro's luck on the pitch was not on his side due to a series of injuries, most notably a torn cruciate ligament and muscle strains that led to his departure in early 2015 after only seven appearances (scoring one goal and providing three assists), Neymar looks back on that period with great gratitude.
Neymar said in a televised interview: “Despite my limited appearances, I’m happy with this experience; it gave me new experiences and allowed me to learn about a different culture and a hospitable people.” He added, emphasizing the Riyadh club’s stature: “Al-Hilal is a great, world-class team, and I passionately supported them in the Club World Cup, hoping they would win the gold, but the competition was fierce.”.
Friendships that transcend the pitch and an unforgettable life
Neymar's experience in Riyadh wasn't limited to the professional sphere; it extended to profound human and social aspects. The Brazilian star confirmed that his family enjoyed wonderful times in the Saudi capital, praising the security, tranquility, quality of life, and luxurious restaurants. He affirmed, "Saudi Arabia will always remain in my memory and heart, and I will definitely visit the Kingdom again.".
On the personal level, Neymar revealed his ongoing communication with a number of key players of the Al-Hilal team, mentioning by name Mohamed Kanno, Ali Al-Bulaihi, Kalidou Koulibaly, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and his compatriot Malcom de Oliveira, reflecting the family spirit that prevails in the Al-Hilal dressing room.
Neymar the investor: Smart projects between Brazil and Saudi Arabia
Away from the pitch, Neymar appears to be shrewdly planning his future as a businessman, capitalizing on the thriving investment environment in Saudi Arabia, which has become a global hub for both economics and sports. Neymar stated, "I don't know if I'll ever play again in the Saudi league, which is now among the top six most competitive leagues in the world, but as an investor, yes.".
Neymar revealed an ambitious project he is currently working on, which is building a smart city specializing in sports activities in Brazil named “Neymar Jr.” He surprised Saudi fans by stating his intention to replicate this experience in the Kingdom, saying: “I have the intention to build a similar city in Saudi Arabia, as I have all the love and affection for this country, which has tremendous potential for development.”.
The World Cup dream is still alive
Neymar concluded his remarks by addressing his international career, confirming his physical readiness and his strong desire to represent the Samba team again, as he still dreams of winning the World Cup, a dream he seeks to achieve to conclude his football career full of achievements.
