On August 16, 2023, Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal completed the signing of Brazilian superstar Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a deal worth €100 million (fixed fee plus bonuses) . This transfer marked the final chapter in the MSN trio’s (Messi, Suárez, Neymar) European careers, with all three icons now playing outside the continent.
Neymar’s Bittersweet PSG Tenure
Neymar’s move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2017 was meant to establish him as football’s next global icon. Over seven seasons, he scored 118 goals and provided 70 assists in 173 appearances, winning 5 Ligue 1 titles and reaching the 2020 Champions League final . However, his career in France was marred by chronic injuries (including a fractured metatarsal and recurring ankle issues) and off-field controversies, such as the 2023 fan protests outside his home demanding his exit .
Despite these challenges, Neymar showcased moments of brilliance. His 59 goals and 30 assists in his first three seasons at PSG highlighted his ability to dominate in a new league. Yet, his failure to win the Champions League and the growing rift with PSG fans—who criticized his inconsistency—ultimately overshadowed his achievements. By 2023, Neymar’s desire for a fresh start aligned with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious recruitment drive.
The Saudi Revolution: Money, Ambition, and Risks
Al-Hilal’s signing of Neymar on August 16, 2023, for a €100 million fee (plus bonuses) was a watershed moment for Saudi football. His two-year contract—valued at $300 million (with potential add-ons to $400 million)—included staggering terms: €3 million weekly salary, €80,000 per team victory, and €500,000 per sponsored social media post . Beyond finances, the deal included a 25-room mansion, private jet access, and a luxury car fleet, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s strategy to position itself as a global football hub.
This transfer was part of a broader Saudi Pro League (SPL) investment spree in 2023, which saw clubs spend £767 million on players like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, and Jordan Henderson . The goal: elevate the league’s profile to top-five status by 2030 as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 initiative .
The Al-Hilal Fiasco: A Tale of Unfulfilled Promise
Neymar’s time in Saudi Arabia was catastrophically short-lived. He made just 7 appearances for Al-Hilal, scoring 1 goal and providing 2 assists, before a ruptured ACL and meniscus in October 2023 sidelined him indefinitely . His contract was terminated in January 2025, with Al-Hilal writing off $245 million in fees and wages—a historic financial failure.
The deal’s failure stemmed from multiple factors:
Injury Prone: Neymar’s pre-existing ankle issues worsened in Saudi Arabia, exacerbated by a rigorous schedule that included World Cup qualifiers for Brazil.
Tactical Mismatch: Al-Hilal’s manager, Jorge Jesus, struggled to integrate Neymar into a system reliant on counter-attacking play, clashing with the Brazilian’s preference for creative freedom .
Cultural Adjustment: Neymar’s lifestyle—including frequent trips to Brazil and reliance on a personal entourage—alienated teammates and staff.
