Brazilian football superstar Neymar Jr. and Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal have mutually agreed to terminate the forward’s contract, with seven months still remaining. This decision comes after a disappointing 18-month spell for the 32-year-old, marred by injuries that restricted him to only seven matches for the club.

Neymar, who joined Al Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in August 2023 for a reported fee of €90 million ($98 million), has struggled to regain form following a series of injuries. His most recent setback occurred in October 2023, when he sustained a knee injury during Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. Since then, he has been unable to return to his best on the pitch.

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Al Hilal announced:

“Al Hilal and Neymar Jr. have agreed to terminate the player’s contract by mutual consent.”

Neymar’s Journey at Al Hilal

The Brazilian forward’s move to Al Hilal was met with high expectations, but recurring injuries severely limited his impact. Neymar played just seven games for the Saudi club, making his departure less surprising for fans and analysts alike.

Despite his struggles at Al Hilal, Neymar remains a historic figure in football. He still holds the record for the highest-ever transfer fee, a staggering €222 million ($232 million), paid by PSG to Barcelona in August 2017.

Return to Santos?

Brazilian media outlets are speculating that Neymar might return to his childhood club, Santos, where his professional career began. Neymar left Santos in 2013 to join Barcelona, where he rose to international stardom.

If the reports are accurate, this move would be a homecoming for the Brazilian icon, potentially marking the twilight of his storied career.

Nearing the End of an Era

Neymar’s career appears to be approaching its conclusion. The star has already announced that he will retire from international football after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Speaking about his future, Neymar expressed his determination:

“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. This is my last chance to achieve something extraordinary with Brazil.”

At 34 years old, Neymar is determined to leave a lasting legacy in international football, aiming to lead Brazil to glory one final time.

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