RIYADH: Neymar made a grand entrance into Saudi Arabia, adding his name to the ever-growing list of prominent figures drawn to the opulent realm of the oil-rich nation. The 31-year-old Brazil forward will be unveiled an Al-Hilal player today.
The 31-year-old Brazilian forward, fresh off a successful six-season stint with French champions Paris Saint-Germain, arrived at a Riyadh airport, where enhanced security measures were in place to ensure his smooth reception.
Amid a setting adorned with club dignitaries and media personnel, Neymar posed for photographs, his neck adorned with a resplendent diamond-studded cross. The anticipation of his unveiling as an Al-Hilal player on Saturday only heightened the air of excitement. The King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh is poised to witness a vibrant celebration, with thousands of enthusiastic fans eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the Brazilian football icon.
An anonymous Al-Hilal official remarked, “We will hold a big party worthy of the samba dancer,” a nod to Neymar’s dynamic and captivating style of play that has earned him admirers across the globe. This sentiment resonates with the broader narrative of Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a hub for marquee sporting events and talent acquisition.
Neymar’s association with Al-Hilal comes alongside a two-year contract that is said to bring him a substantial annual salary of approximately 100 million euros, according to sources familiar with the arrangement. In this move, he follows in the footsteps of renowned football luminaries such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mane, all of whom have chosen to ply their trade in the Saudi Pro League. This league has strategically attracted a roster of high-profile stars, turning it into an international focal point of football excellence.
Neymar’s time at Paris Saint-Germain was marked by impressive accomplishments, including 118 goals in 173 appearances, five Ligue 1 titles, and three French Cups. However, his tenure was also marred by a series of injuries that posed challenges to his consistent participation. Despite being instrumental in leading the club to the 2020 Champions League final, which they narrowly lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich, his absence from pivotal matches was deeply felt.
Having recently recovered from surgery on his right ankle in early March, Neymar rejoined PSG for their pre-season tour of Asia, showcasing his determination and resilience. His journey to Saudi Arabia not only represents a new chapter in his illustrious career but also mirrors the nation’s grand ambitions in the realm of sports.
As Saudi Arabia continues to build its sports portfolio, discussions of potential bids for major tournaments, including the World Cup, loom large on the horizon. In conjunction with its neighbouring nation Qatar’s successful hosting of the 2022 World Cup, Saudi Arabia is reportedly exploring the possibility of submitting a bid, potentially in collaboration with Egypt and Greece, for a tri-continental edition of the tournament.
