Neymar has been through a year of agony, fighting a serious injury that kept him off the pitch for 12 months. As the Brazilian superstar prepares to make his long-awaited return for Al-Hilal, he reflects on the daily struggles he faced during this difficult period. Reduced to tears, Neymar shares his emotional journey back to fitness, vowing to silence the doubters.
A Long-Awaited Comeback
After suffering a knee ligament injury during Brazil's 2026 World Cup qualifiers in October 2023, Neymar was forced to sit out for a full year. His injury was serious, and questions quickly arose about his future both with Brazil and Al-Hilal, his new club in Saudi Arabia. However, Neymar has defied the odds and is set to return, having been included in Al-Hilal’s squad for an upcoming AFC Champions League match against Al-Ain.
Painful Journey to Recovery
Neymar’s time on the sidelines has been mentally and physically draining. In an emotional interview with NR Sports on YouTube, he opened up about the daily pain and suffering he endured. “I felt a huge pain. In that moment I already knew it was serious,” Neymar recounted tearfully. He described how much it hurt to be away from the game he loves, stating, "I have suffered every day I’ve been away from the pitch. This is what hurts me the most."
Doubts and Determination
During his rehabilitation, speculation arose regarding Neymar’s future at Al-Hilal. There were rumors that his time in the Middle East could be cut short, especially given his limited appearances for the club – just five games since his transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. But Neymar remained focused and determined. “I have risen every time I have been injured. But I don't return halfway,” he confidently stated, eager to prove his doubters wrong.
Focused on Football and Family
Throughout his recovery, Neymar leaned heavily on the support of his family and friends. He admitted that the emotional toll of being away from football was significant, but he stayed focused on what mattered most: returning to full fitness and rejoining the sport he loves. “I am focused on the most important people in my life, my family and friends, and football,” Neymar said, emphasizing his commitment to his career and his loved ones.
Contract and Future at Al-Hilal
Neymar joined Al-Hilal in a high-profile move from PSG in 2023, and his contract runs until the summer of 2025. Despite the injury setbacks, there is an option to extend his contract for an additional year. While there were concerns about his future during his rehabilitation, Neymar's return signals that he is committed to proving his worth in Saudi Arabia.
Ready to Make an Impact
As Neymar prepares for his first match back, Al-Hilal fans are eager to see their star player return to action. His journey has been long, but Neymar is ready to make a significant impact for the team as they compete in the AFC Champions League. His determination to fully recover and his passion for football will undoubtedly fuel his performance on the pitch.
Neymar is happy to be with Al-Hilal