Neymar pocketed a staggering €150 million salary in 2024 from his contract with Al Hilal despite making just two appearances and playing a total of 42 minutes.
Neymar’s Saudi Pro League Move: Big Money, Limited Impact
After his big money move from PSG in the summer of 2023 for a reported €90 million fee, Neymar joined Al Hilal as part of a wave of superstar acquisitions by the Saudi Pro League.
Signing a two-year contract reportedly worth €150 million a year, Neymar was expected to be a transformative player for the reigning league champions.
However, injuries have overshadowed his time in Saudi Arabia. Neymar made just seven appearances in total, starting only four matches and scoring one goal.
Neymar Al Hilal Salary 2024
In 2024, Neymar was plagued by injuries, particularly an ACL tear sustained during international duty with Brazil in October 2023.
After a year-long recovery, Neymar returned to action in October 2024, playing 13 minutes in a 4–4 draw against Al-Ain. Two weeks later, he logged 29 minutes against Esteghlal but suffered a hamstring injury that sidelined him once again.
Despite these setbacks, Neymar’s lucrative contract ensured he earned his full €150 million salary for the year.
Factoring in his transfer fee and overall wages, Al Hilal have spent approximately €400 million on Neymar over two years – a sum that has yielded just one goal and limited on-field contributions.
Neymar’s Future: Santos Return On The Horizon
With his Al Hilal contract now officially terminated, Neymar is free to make his next move.
In a club statement, Al Hilal wrote: “The club expresses its thanks and appreciation to Neymar for what he has provided at Al-Hilal, and wish the player success in his career.”
According to reports, the 32-year-old is set to re-sign for boyhood club Santos, whom he left for Barcelona in 2013.
This is despite interest from MLS sides Chicago Fire and Inter Miami. Had he opted to sign for the latter, he would’ve been reunited with former Barca teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
Neymar’s Legacy in the Saudi Pro League
While Neymar’s limited appearances may have frustrated Al Hilal fans, his transfer shows the Saudi Pro League’s willingness to invest heavily in marquee players to elevate its global profile.
Neymar followed in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, both of whom made high-profile moves to Saudi Arabia, as the league continues to attract some of the sport’s biggest names.
