Neymar's tumultuous journey at Al-Hilal has taken another dramatic turn as manager Jorge Jesus confirmed the Brazilian superstar will not be registered for the remainder of the Saudi Pro League season, limiting his participation to Asian Champions League matches only.
In a shocking announcement following Al-Hilal's commanding 9-0 victory over Al-Fateh, Jesus delivered a candid assessment of the former PSG star's situation. "Neymar can no longer play at the level we are used to," the Portuguese manager stated, casting a shadow over the 32-year-old's future at the club. "Things have become difficult for him, unfortunately."
The Brazilian's stint in Saudi Arabia has been nothing short of disastrous since his €90 million (£77.2m/$98.3m) transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2023. His contribution to the team has been minimal, with just seven appearances and a single goal to his name. The situation worsened significantly when he suffered knee ligament damage while representing Brazil in a World Cup qualifier last October.
Jesus's remarks suggest a growing frustration with the situation, though he remained diplomatic about Neymar's future prospects. "He is still under contract with Al Hilal and it may be up to him to decide his future. It depends on the administration," he explained, while noting that the club has a roster spot available for a player born in 2003 or later.
The outlook appears increasingly bleak for the Brazilian icon, with his participation now restricted to a maximum of seven potential matches should Al-Hilal advance to the AFC Champions League final. Their journey in the competition continues with a round of 16 tie scheduled for February, but beyond that, Neymar's future in Middle Eastern football appears to be drawing to a premature close, despite having an option for a 12-month contract extension.
