Neymar’s Triumphant Return to the Field After Injury
On October 21, 2024, Neymar made his long-awaited return to the pitch, coming off the bench during Al Hilal’s thrilling AFC Champions League match against Al Ain. This appearance marked the Brazilian superstar’s first since undergoing surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament tear over a year ago. Fans were eager to see Neymar, who had just recently joined Al Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a substantial €90 million fee in August 2023, further amplifying the anticipation surrounding his comeback.
Neymar entered the match in the 77th minute, just as teammate Salem Al Dawsari had netted a goal, bringing the score to 5-3 in favor of Al Hilal. Displaying his signature flair, Neymar engaged in a swift exchange with Aleksandar Mitrovic, showing flashes of the skill that has made him a global football icon. Though he missed a golden opportunity by shooting wide of the left post, his presence reinvigorated the team’s performance. The match concluded narrowly with Al Hilal securing a 5-4 victory, despite Al Ain scoring a late penalty.
Post-match, a visibly elated Neymar expressed his happiness, stating, "I feel good… I always have a good team. I’m so happy. I’m back! I’m back!" This sentiment resonated with fans following his arduous recovery process, which began after he suffered the injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in late 2023. The injury sidelined Neymar for over 12 months, during which he underwent surgery in November 2023.
Receiving a warm welcome back from various football organizations and fans alike, Neymar’s former club, Santos, took to social media platform X to congratulate him, emphasizing the joy his return brings to millions. In their message, they acknowledged Neymar’s unique role in football, stating, "He is synonymous with joy in football. His return is the happiness of millions of fans around the world."
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) also celebrated Neymar’s comeback, highlighting his impact as a representative of Brazilian football’s magic. As the all-time leading scorer for Brazil, Neymar is a significant figure, with countless fans wearing his number 10 jersey across clubs and national teams, including Santos, PSG, Barcelona, and Al Hilal.
Moving forward, Neymar is eligible to compete in the AFC Champions League, as the tournament does not impose restrictions on foreign player registrations. However, he will only be able to be officially registered for the second half of the Saudi Pro League in January due to local regulations that limit the number of foreign players per team. Despite this, Neymar’s presence strengthens Al Hilal, who are currently cruising at the top of the Saudi Pro League, having won all seven of their games under the guidance of Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus.
The CBF is optimistic about Neymar’s availability for Brazil’s crucial World Cup qualifier matches against Venezuela and Uruguay in November as they strive to improve their position in the competition. Currently, Brazil sits fourth in their qualifying group, trailing leaders Argentina by four points after completing 10 matches. Neymar’s return could be a game-changer for both Al Hilal and the Brazilian national team as they look to capitalize on his exceptional talent and experience in the coming months.
