Brazilian star Neymar is finally back on the football field after more than a year of absence with a cruciate ligament injury.
The 32-year-old joined Public Investment Fund (PIF) owned Al-Hilal in 2023 to end his time at PSG in a £78m move that came as something of a shock.
Despite making headlines for his decision to move to Saudi Arabia, Neymar was limited to just five appearances for his new club before suffering the injury during an international break last year.
However, on Monday night he made his long-awaited sixth appearance for the club after coming off the bench during their dramatic 5-4 win over rivals Al-Ain in the AFC Champions League Elite – which is ironically shortened to the ACL Elite.
Footage showed the Brazilian walking cheerfully along the touchline before being substituted in the 77th minute – 369 days after his last appearance for the club.
Welcome back, Neymar
The 32-year-old Brazilian returns to the field twelve months after suffering a cruciate ligament tear
pic.twitter.com/clVdcXNs85
— CBS Sports Golazo
Neymar is finally back on the football field after more than a year of absence with a cruciate ligament injury
The Brazilian made just his sixth appearance for the Saudi giants following his £78million move
Neymar’s girlfriend Bruna Biancardi (center), their daughter Mavie (left) and her parents were present to see the Brazilian make his comeback against Al-Ain
Although he was unable to contribute with a goal, the Brazilian showed glimpses of the magic that took him to the top of European football throughout his career.
He came close to finding the back of the net after leading a counter-attack, but was denied by the Al-Ain goalkeeper’s fingertips.
He also showed some of his trademark flair by tallying an opponent before being hacked to the ground.
Neymar’s model girlfriend Bruna Biancardi, their daughter Mavie and her parents were present to see the Brazilian make his comeback against Al-Ain.
The Brazilian will be happy to return to the pitch after recently starring in an emotional interview in which he opened up about the struggles of being away from football.
Looking back on the past twelve months at the NR Sports YouTube channelhe said: ‘I felt enormous pain. At that moment I already knew it was serious.
‘What I want most in life is to play football. I suffered every day I was away from the field. This is what hurts me the most.’
Neymar made a 13-minute cameo as Al-Hilal defeated rivals Al-Ain in a dramatic 5-4 match
There was a lot of expectation in Saudi Arabia that the Brazilian would get fit again
‘I’m focused on the most important people in my life: my family and friends, and football. Every time I’ve been hurt, I’ve gotten up. But I won’t come back halfway.’
Including AFC Champions League matches, he played a total of five matches for Al-Hilal prior to his injury, contributing one goal and three assists.
His contract with Al-Hilal expires next year, although there is an option to extend it for another twelve months.
The winger made a name for himself at Santos after coming through the youth academy as a youngster before breaking into the first team.
He scored 72 goals in 140 appearances and won six major honors with the club, including the Copa Libertadores in 2011.
Neymar had to wipe away tears as he spoke about the year he was out of action
The Brazilian also recently made headlines after he was bizarrely booed by fans in Saudi Arabia when he was spotted at the blockbuster Six Kings Slam event.
There were even audible chants of ‘Ronaldo! Ronaldo’, with Cristiano Ronaldo being a huge success, unsurprisingly in Saudi Arabia after his own move to Al-Nassr.
The Brazilian was then seen talking to Rafael Nadal, who was defeated in straight sets 6-3, 6-3 by compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in his round of the exhibition tournament.
