Neymar: Latest addition to star-studded Saudi Pro League

Explore Neymar's move to Saudi Pro League's Al-Hilal and the surge of high-profile soccer players joining clubs in the league. Discover how Saudi Arabian clubs are attracting global talent and reshaping the football landscape.

Outlook International Desk

Updated on: 14 August 2023 8:46 pm

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Neymar playing for Brazil against Serbia in the FIFA World Cup, 25 Nov 2022

Neymar Jr. has become the latest star soccer player to join the Saudi Pro League. The Brazilian striker agreed to a two-year contract with Saudi Arabia’s top-tier league, Al-Hilal club. The player is set to undergo his medical, after which he will fly to Riyadh to join his new club. His former club, Paris Saint-Germain, has also accepted Al-Hilal's offer of 90 million Euros for Neymar. This signing comes six years after the French domestic giant shelled out a record 222 million Euros to FC Barcelona to buy Neymar, who spent six tumultuous years at the club, filled with frequent injury problems.

Neymar’s signing comes at a time when the Saudi Pro League clubs are pursuing an aggressive recruitment strategy in this summer’s transfer window. Most of the clubs in the league, such as Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, etc., have been offering profitable contracts to some of the best players of the sport.

Neymar is the latest high-profile player to seal a deal with a Saudi Arabian club this summer, following Jordan Henderson, Ruben Neves, and Roberto Firmino.

Some of the other high-profile players who made their move to Saudi Arabia are:

Cristiano Ronaldo - Al-Nassr: Ronaldo made waves with his contentious departure from Manchester United, taking his career to Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr. The move marked a surprising turn in his journey as he sought new challenges on the Gulf stage.

Karim Benzema - Al-Ittihad: Reigning Ballon D'Or winner Karim Benzema bid adieu to Real Madrid after an era marked by five Champions League triumphs. He embarked on a fresh chapter in his career, joining Al-Ittihad and leaving behind a legacy of exceptional success in the Spanish capital.

Riyad Mahrez - Al-Ahli: Al-Ahli secured the signing of Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City in a deal valued up to ￡30 million. Mahrez's arrival showcased the league's growing allure for top-tier talent.

Jordan Henderson - Al-Ettifaq: Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson's 12-year tenure at Anfield concluded as he embarked on a journey to join Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia. His reunion with former teammate Steven Gerrard, now the club’s manager, added a captivating twist to his move.