Neymar, Al-Hilal agree to terminate contract mutually - How much did Brazilian cost the Saudi Arabian club?

Brazil superstar Neymar Jr has ended his 18-month stint with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. The decision was taken with mutual understanding between the two parties as the club confirmed the same on Monday (January 27). Al-Hilal also expressed gratitude for Neymar’s contributions and wished him success in his future endeavours.

Neymar had joined Al-Hilal from PSG in August 2023 for a reported salary of 104$ million per year. However, the move didn’t work at all for either party as he made only seven appearances. Just two months after his arrival in Riyadh, the 32-year-old suffered a ruptured cruciate ligament injury to his left knee while playing for Brazil in World Cup qualifier.

This injury sidelined him for a year before returning to play for Al-Hilal in October and November 2024. However, Neymar sustained a hamstring injury and has not played for the club since then. Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus had recently hinted at his exit as well saying,

“He can no longer play at the level we are used to. Things have become difficult for him, unfortunately.”

How much did Neymar earn from the Saudi club?

Neymar joined Al-Hilal for a reported fee of $104 million per year and signed a contract. However, his stint ended in 18 months only which saw him earn $156 million for seven matches he played for the club.

Going by these numbers, Al-Hilal paid a staggering amount of $22.28 million per game to Neymar and $39 million for his direct involvement in goals. Interestingly, he scored only one goal in seven matches for Al-Hilal and could play only two matches in the ongoing Saudi Pro League season.

MLS teams in the United States have shown interest in signing Neymar at the fag end of his career. However, reports in Brazil suggest that Santos is in talks with him. Notably, this is the club where Neymar made a name for himself. A return to his homeland cannot be ruled out for him as Neymar recently admitted that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the last of his career.