Brazil and Al Hilal forward Neymar Jr. was delighted after making his much-anticipated return to the pitch. The striker was sidelined for a year after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament tear. The talisman came off the bench in the second half of Al Hilal’s AFC Champions League Elite clash against Al Ain.
Al Hilal registered a 5-4 in the end after Neymar took the field in the 77th minute.
On the pitch after the full-time whistle, Neymar said: “I feel good… I always have a good team. I’m so happy. I’m back! I’m back!
Neymar Jr. joined Al Hilal in August 2023 from PSG in a €90 million transfer fee but could only play five matches for the club before he suffered a serious injury.
Neymar’s former club Santos congratulated the player on his return in a post on X.
“It was more than 12 months away from the field, with an immeasurable longing to return to doing what he loves so much,” the Brazilian club wrote.
“Neymar is not just a star. It’s not just genius. Neymar is synonymous with joy in football. His return is the happiness of millions of fans around the world. And, when it comes to fans, the Santos nation has an incomparable feeling. A more than special bond with the best Brazilian player of recent years.”
Neymar also received a message from Brazil’s Football Confederation (CBF) who wrote: “Neymar is the representation of the magic of Brazilian football and captivates fans from all over the world. Fans from all over the planet proudly wear shirts of the Brazilian National Team, Santos, PSG, Barcelona and Al-Hilal with the number 10 and Neymar’s name on the back. “The CBF celebrates and congratulates Neymar, one of the greatest players in the history of world football, on his return to the pitch.”
Al Hilal have won all of their seven matches in the Saudi Pro League and they will next take on Al Taawoun on Saturday.
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