I’m back: Emotional Neymar ecstatic after 12-month return from injury with Al-Hilal

An emotional Neymar said he was back after his long-awaited return to the playing field on Monday, October 21. Neymar made a welcome return after more than a year out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, coming on as a second-half substitute for Al Hilal in the AFC Champions League elite match against Al Ain.

The Brazilian star came into the match in the 77th minute, replacing Nasser Al-Dawsari shortly after Salem Al-Dawsari’s goal gave Al-Hilal a 5–3 lead. Neymar nearly struck immediately, linking with Aleksandar Mitrovic to create space, but his shot narrowly missed the left post. The match ended 5–4 in Al Hilal’s favor after Al Ain converted a late penalty to reduce the gap.

Neymar suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, just months after joining Saudi Professional League (SPL) side Paris Saint-Germain in a €90 million deal. He only managed to play five times for Al-Hilal before undergoing surgery in November 2023.

Speaking after the final whistle, the Brazilian star said he was feeling good and thanked his team for their work.

“I feel good… I always have a good team. I’m so happy. I’m back! I’m back!” – Neymar said.

Wishes are pouring in for Neymar after his return

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) wrote a special message for Neymar and said that he personifies the magic of Brazilian football.

“Neymar personifies the magic of Brazilian football and captivates fans from all over the world. Fans from all over the world proudly wear Brazil, Santos, PSG, Barcelona and Al-Hilal jerseys with the number 10 and Neymar’s logo. name on back “CBF celebrates and congratulates Neymar, one of the greatest players in the history of world football, on his return to the field,” the statement said.

The CBF also hopes Neymar will be available for South America’s World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Uruguay in November.