In a move stirring the soccer transfer market, Pachuca, the Mexican club that won the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup, is exploring the possibility of signing Neymar Jr. as a temporary reinforcement for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Reported by Mexico’s Marca newspaper, the club’s board is evaluating the Brazilian star to bolster its squad for the tournament, set for June and July in the United States. The initiative comes as Liga MX aims to elevate its global profile, with Pachuca viewing Neymar as a key to competing against powerhouses like Real Madrid and Al Hilal. While no formal negotiations are underway, the interest is genuine, leveraging the tournament’s rules allowing temporary signings. Neymar, currently with Santos until his contract expires on June 30, 2025, has faced recent injury setbacks, raising questions about his fitness and career trajectory.
The 2025 Club World Cup marks a significant opportunity for Pachuca, returning to the global stage after years. The club’s leadership is focused on assembling a formidable squad to tackle top-tier opponents. Neymar’s international experience makes him a strategic target.
- Primary goal: Enhance Pachuca’s competitiveness in the tournament.
- Media spotlight: Neymar’s presence would draw global attention to the club.
- Logistical challenge: The deal involves high salary costs and contractual adjustments.
The prospect of signing the forward keeps the club on high alert, with fans eagerly awaiting updates.
Pachuca’s initial interest
Pachuca’s interest in Neymar has gained traction in recent months, according to sources close to the club. The board, aware of the Club World Cup’s global exposure, is seeking high-impact signings. Neymar emerged as a viable option due to his contract with Santos ending in June 2025, facilitating a potential short-term move.
The Mexican club has a history of ambition in international competitions, exemplified by its 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup victory. Bringing in a player of Neymar’s caliber aligns with Pachuca’s strategy to establish itself as a regional powerhouse. However, the financial implications are significant, given Neymar’s status as one of soccer’s highest-paid players.
💣 ¿Neymar al Pachuca?
— MARCA América 🇲🇽 (@MarcaMexico_) June 3, 2025
👉 El club hidalguense considera fichar al brasileño como refuerzo para el Mundial de Clubes 2025 👀 Aunque aún no hay negociación formal, la intención es real ⚽️#neymar #pachuca #fifa #ligamx #mundialdeclubes #futbol #marcaamerica #marcamexico pic.twitter.com/NrHHA5FHHo
While formal talks are yet to begin, the club maintains preliminary contact with Neymar’s representatives. The Club World Cup, featuring matches against RB Salzburg, Real Madrid, and Al Hilal, demands a squad ready for elite competition.
Neymar’s current stint at Santos
Neymar returned to Santos in January 2025, following spells at Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia and European clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona. In his current tenure with Santos, he has played 14 of 27 possible matches this season, scoring 3 goals and providing 3 assists.
Injuries, including a muscle issue in April 2025, have hampered his consistency, sparking discussions about his physical condition. Despite these challenges, Neymar remains a global icon with a massive fanbase and commercial appeal.
- Matches played: 14 in 2025, including friendlies and official games.
- Goals and assists: 3 goals and 3 assists in domestic competitions.
- Recent injuries: Muscle problems have affected his availability.
- Contract status: Valid until June 30, 2025, with renewal options.
Pachuca closely monitors Neymar’s performances at Santos, assessing whether he can regain peak form for the Club World Cup.
Tournament rules enable signings
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup introduces a revamped format, including provisions for temporary signings. This rule allows clubs to register players outside standard transfer windows, provided they meet deadlines and financial regulations.
For Pachuca, this flexibility is a golden opportunity. The club aims to capitalize on the rule to recruit high-profile players like Neymar. The 32-team tournament, featuring diverse opponents, requires meticulous planning, with first-phase matches pitting Pachuca against global giants.
The club’s board is analyzing the financial logistics, including salaries, bonuses, and travel costs. The tournament, hosted in venues like TQL Stadium in Cincinnati and Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, promises significant media exposure.
Pachuca’s Club World Cup schedule
Pachuca is placed in Group H of the Club World Cup, facing tough opponents in the first phase. The Mexican side kicks off its campaign on June 18 against RB Salzburg from Austria, followed by clashes with Real Madrid from Spain and Al Hilal from Saudi Arabia.
- June 18: Pachuca vs. RB Salzburg, 7:00 PM, TQL Stadium, Cincinnati.
- June 22: Real Madrid vs. Pachuca, 4:00 PM, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte.
- June 26: Al Hilal vs. Pachuca, 10:00 PM, GEODIS Park, Nashville.
These matchups demand a versatile squad capable of adapting to varied playing styles. Neymar’s potential inclusion would be a tactical advantage for coach Jaime Lozano, who took over Pachuca in May 2025 after Guillermo Almada’s departure.
Liga MX’s global ambitions
Liga MX, Mexico’s top soccer league, is working to expand its international presence. Pachuca’s participation in the Club World Cup serves as a platform to showcase the league’s quality, which already attracts stars like André-Pierre Gignac and Javier Hernández.
A temporary signing like Neymar would elevate Liga MX’s reputation as a destination for global talent. Pachuca, known for its modern facilities and youth development, aims to leverage the tournament to strengthen its brand.
The club is also planning marketing initiatives tied to the Club World Cup, capitalizing on the popularity of players like Neymar. The event’s global broadcast reach will amplify the visibility of Mexican soccer.
Neymar’s international pedigree
Neymar boasts an impressive record in global competitions. With Barcelona, he won the 2015 UEFA Champions League, earning the final’s best player award against Juventus. At Paris Saint-Germain, he reached the 2020 Champions League final but fell short of the title.
- Key titles: UEFA Champions League (2015), Club World Cup (2015), Copa América (2013, with Brazil).
- Club World Cup experience: Played for Barcelona in 2015, scoring in the title-winning campaign.
- Global exposure: Competed in leagues in Spain, France, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil.
His expertise would be invaluable for Pachuca, facing clubs with deep international experience. Neymar’s commercial appeal also promises to attract sponsors and fans.
Pachuca’s preparations
Beyond Neymar, Pachuca is reinforcing its roster with other signings. The club recently acquired Robert Kenedy, formerly of Chelsea, and Roberto Alvarado, a request from ex-coach Guillermo Almada.
The coaching transition to Jaime Lozano has introduced tactical shifts. Lozano, previously with the Mexican national team, favors an attacking style that could benefit from Neymar’s creativity.
Pachuca is also investing in infrastructure, with rigorous training camps and friendly matches. While young talents like Bryan González remain a focus, the club seeks a balance with seasoned players.
Fan reactions
Neymar’s potential move has sparked widespread discussion among Pachuca fans. Social media reflects a mix of excitement and skepticism, with some fans thrilled at the prospect of a global star joining the club and others questioning the financial feasibility and Neymar’s fitness.
- Enthusiastic support: Fans highlight Neymar’s on- and off-field impact.
- Financial concerns: Some worry the investment could strain the club’s budget.
- Tournament anticipation: Supporters expect a historic campaign.
The club’s leadership remains tight-lipped, but Neymar dominates fan conversations in Mexico.
Financial considerations
Signing Neymar involves substantial costs. At Santos, he earns approximately $4 million per month, including salary and image rights, per UOL reports. For Pachuca, funding a short-term deal would require commercial partnerships and sponsor support.
The club is exploring revenue streams like broadcast shares and ticket sales. Neymar’s presence could boost merchandising, with personalized jerseys and licensed products driving income.
Pachuca’s board also weighs long-term benefits, as Club World Cup exposure could attract new investors. Known for prudent management, the club aims to balance costs with projected gains.
Neymar’s next steps
Neymar’s future remains uncertain. After a friendly against Leipzig, he stated he would decide his next move after June 12, 2025. While open to extending his Santos contract, he is also considering offers from European clubs and Inter Miami, per X posts.
The Club World Cup offers a platform for Neymar to reclaim his global spotlight. A stint with Pachuca, however brief, could pave the way for new career opportunities.
For now, Neymar focuses on fitness and his final Santos matches. Pachuca, vigilant, awaits the right moment to advance discussions.
