Neymar Eyes Al-Hilal Exit In World Cup Plan

Neymar is reportedly already planning his departure from Al-Hilal, with the Brazilian intending to return to Santos ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The 31-year-old forward only took on another new challenge in his distinguished career when heading to Saudi Arabia backin August. There had been talk of the South American superstar agreeing a four-year deal in the Middle East, but that is supposedly not the case.

Reports of a two-year contract are said to be closer to the mark, with Neymar not intending to stick around at Al-Hilal for long.

According to Brazilian journalist, Ademir Quintino, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain playmaker will return to his roots at Santos in 2025.

Quintino has said on his social media channels: “During conversations with friends of Neymar Senior and Neymar Junior, I received the information that they did not sign a four-year contract with the Saudis but rather a two-year contract so he can return (to Santos) a year before the World Cup. Neymar approached Santos and asked to return. I have friends in common with Neymar, whom I will not name, but he has a very strong desire to return to Santos.”

Goal reports that Neymar – who is now Brazil’s all-time leading scorer – has only taken in three appearances for Al-Hilal so far and is still waiting on his first goal for the club. He has never shied away from the fact that he intends to head back to Santos at some stage, with the plan seemingly being to make that switch a year out from the World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026.