Al-Hilal’s CEO, Esteve Calzada, clarified the reasons behind Neymar’s departure from the Saudi club. According to the executive, the Brazilian no longer met the team’s on-field requirements, despite the media impact generated by his signing. Neymar, who moved to Saudi football in 2023 with the promise of being one of the league’s top names, saw his trajectory disrupted by a severe injury and played only seven matches before leaving the club. With a squad full of high-level foreign players, Al-Hilal decided to take a different path and terminate the Brazilian’s contract.
The limited number of foreign player slots in the Saudi League was one of the determining factors in Neymar’s departure. With only eight spots available and intense internal competition, the club opted for players who could deliver a higher performance than the Brazilian. The decision was made strategically, considering Al-Hilal’s goals for the season, which include winning the AFC Champions League and making a strong campaign in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
The executive made it clear that the decision was not purely commercial or marketing-driven. While Neymar was a major name in attracting international attention to Al-Hilal, the club has ambitious sporting goals that require players in peak physical and technical form. For Calzada, the Brazilian was no longer at the level needed to significantly contribute on the field, and his departure was the best solution for both parties.
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— Team Neymar (@TeamNey10) February 7, 2025
Neymar’s performance and injury impact were crucial factors
Neymar’s time in Saudi football did not go as planned. The forward suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his left knee in October 2023, shortly after making his debut for Al-Hilal, compromising his entire season. Without being able to return to his ideal physical level, Neymar was unable to provide the performance the club expected when signing him for millions.
With a history of physical problems, the Brazilian spent more time recovering than playing. Al-Hilal’s management, when assessing the team’s plans for the coming years, concluded that keeping Neymar in the squad was not viable from a sporting perspective. The high salary and uncertainty about his physical condition were crucial factors in the decision to terminate his contract.
Additionally, the Saudi league has strict regulations regarding the number of foreign players each team can register. Since Al-Hilal already has other international stars in its starting lineup, Neymar’s presence—without performance guarantees—did not fit the club’s plans. The Saudi team, now one of the strongest in Asia, is looking for reinforcements who can immediately perform at a high level without the risk of prolonged inactivity.
Al-Hilal prepares for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
Neymar’s departure is part of Al-Hilal’s squad restructuring ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States. The tournament will feature 32 teams and is expected to be one of the most challenging competitions FIFA has ever organized. The Saudi team is in Group H, alongside Real Madrid, Pachuca, and RB Salzburg, and faces a tough challenge to advance past the group stage.
Esteve Calzada emphasized that the team is not entering the tournament just to participate. “We are not going there to swap shirts,” said the executive, making it clear that Al-Hilal considers the Club World Cup a priority. Neymar’s departure is part of a plan to strengthen the squad with players who can compete at a high level and increase the club’s chances of success in the competition.
Al-Hilal has been heavily investing in reinforcements and squad structuring. The Saudi team has already demonstrated its intention to compete on an equal footing with major European and South American clubs, relying on experienced players and strengthening the team’s core. The goal is to build a balanced squad with athletes who can perform consistently throughout the season.
Strategic decision: Neymar not in Al-Hilal’s plans for the new phase
Neymar’s departure from Al-Hilal reflects the club’s strategy to remain competitive both in Asia and internationally. Saudi football is on the rise, and local clubs have been investing heavily to attract international stars. However, the Brazilian’s exit raises questions about the effectiveness of these high-cost signings.
The club had already shown that it is not afraid to make drastic decisions when necessary. Neymar was not the first big-name player to leave Saudi football earlier than expected, and the trend is that local teams will become even more selective when signing foreign athletes. The focus is now on acquiring players who can guarantee consistent sporting performance rather than just enhancing the club’s brand value.
Another key point is that Al-Hilal has clear objectives for the season. The club does not just want to dominate Saudi football; it also aims to win international titles. To achieve this, it is essential to have a balanced squad without physical vulnerabilities. Neymar, still needing to regain his best form, no longer fit into this strategy.
Key factors leading to Neymar’s departure
- Severe injury: His ACL recovery prevented his continuity with the club.
- Low performance: With few games played, he failed to make a significant impact on the team’s performance.
- Foreign player limitation: The club had to prioritize players who could contribute immediately.
- Sporting focus: Al-Hilal aims for trophies and needs fully fit athletes.
- Strategic investment: The club wants to optimize its resources with players who can play regularly.
Impact on Saudi football and Neymar’s future
Neymar’s departure from Al-Hilal sparks discussions about the model used by Saudi football to attract big stars. While some players have adapted well and continue to shine in the country, others, like Neymar, struggled with physical challenges and left the league earlier than expected.
For the Brazilian, the termination with Al-Hilal represents an opportunity for a fresh start. Now back at Santos, Neymar seeks to regain top form and prove that he can still perform at the highest level. Santos fans place great hope in his return, and the expectation is that he can recover his best football in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Al-Hilal continues its plan to build a squad capable of winning titles. Without Neymar, the team remains active in the transfer market, looking for reinforcements that can strengthen the squad for the Saudi League and the Club World Cup. The decision to part ways with the forward shows that the club is willing to take firm steps to ensure its growth and competitiveness on the global stage.
