Neymar Returns After A Year's Absence

Neymar has returned to action after more than a year of absence from injury (Instagram/@alhilal).

JAKARTA - Neymar is back in action. He first appeared as a substitute when Al Hilal beat Al Ain 5-4 in the Asian Elite Champions League on Monday, October 21, 2024.

The Brazilian has been absent for more than a year after experiencing an anterior ligament tear.

Neymar played for Nasser Al Dawsari in the 77th minute, right after Salem Al Dawsari scored to put Al Hilal 5-3 up.

He almost made an instant impact, swapping passes with Aleksandar Mitrovic to create space before firing a narrow shot.

"I feel good. I always have a good team. I'm very happy. I'm back! I'm back!" Neymar said after the match, reported by ESPN.

The former Paris Saint-Germain player suffered a knee ligament injury as Brazil fought Uruguay shortly after joining Al Hilal in the Saudi Arabian Pro League (SPL). He underwent surgery in November 2023.

Neymar joined Al Hilal in August 2023 from PSG for a 90 million euro transfer. However, he only played five games before suffering an injury.

The former Neymar club, Santos, congratulated the player for his return in an upload on X.

"It's been more than 12 months since he hasn't played on the pitch, with an unexpected longing to return to doing what he loves so much," the Brazilian club wrote.

"Neymar is not just a star. He is not just a genius. Neymar is synonymous with the joy of football."

"His return is happiness for millions of fans around the world. When it comes to fans, fans Santos have unmatched feelings."

"The more than just special link with the best Brazilian players in recent years," wrote Santos again.

Neymar also received a message from the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) who had been waiting for the 32-year-old striker to play again.

"Neymar is a representation of the wonders of Brazilian football and captivates fans from around the world."

"Fulners from around the world are proud to wear the Brazilian national team, Santos, PSG, Barcelona, and Al Hilal T-shirts with number 10 attached to the back of Neymar."

"CBF celebrates and congratulates Neymar, one of the greatest players in the history of world football, for his return to the pitch," reads a greeting from CBF.

The striker, who is Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer, missed the 2024 Copa America which Argentina won.

He is eligible to play in the Asian Elite Champions League because there is no limit on the number of foreign players.

However, he was only able to be registered in January 2024 for the second half of the Saudi Arabia Pro League season.

However, the teams at the SPL have limits on the number of foreign players that can be registered. Eight foreign players born before 2003 can be registered for the squad.

While there are rules that only allow two foreign players born in 2003 or after.

Apart from that, Neymar's contract with Al Hilal expires in June 2025.

Currently Al Hilal, coached by Portuguese manager Jorge Jesus, leads the 2024/2025 SPL standings after winning seven matches.

Meanwhile, CBF hopes Neymar can play on time for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in November 2024 against Venezuela and Uruguay.

Brazil is in fourth place in the 2025 World Cup Qualification group. They are four points adrift of leaders in Argentina after 10 matches.