Neymar made his return after 12 months out through injury when he appeared as a substitute for Al Hilal in their AFC Champions League game against Al-Ain on Monday.
The 32-year-old has not played since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee while playing for Brazil in October 2023.
He had only played five games for Al Hilal before getting injured, having joined the Saudi Arabian side for £80million ($102m) from Paris Saint-Germain two months earlier.
“I feel good — it’s (been) so hard,” Neymar said after Al Hilal’s 5-4 win on Monday. “I always have a good team. But I’m so happy. I’m back, I’m back.”
Neymar’s injury meant he missed the Copa America in the United States over the summer, where Brazil lost on penalties against Uruguay in their quarter-final. Brazil are currently struggling in their World Cup 2026 qualifiers, having won only five of their 10 matches. Dorival Junior’s side are fourth of 10 sides in the CONMEBOL standings.
Al Hilal’s victory on Monday means they are top of the AFC Champions League West standings with three wins from three. They also lead the Saudi Pro League having won all seven of their opening fixtures.
(Francois Nel/Getty Images)
