Neymar Returns to Training After Long Injury Layoff

Brazilian superstar Neymar has returned to full training with Saudi professional club Al Hilal on Monday. He had been sidelined for nearly a year due to a severe ligament injury in his left knee.

The 32-year-old forward joined Al Hilal from PSG in August 2023 on a lucrative contract. However, he played only five matches for the club before being sidelined with the serious injury during international duty in October.

In a photo posted on Instagram, Neymar is seen running and kicking a ball, with Al Hilal's Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus observing beside him. Neymar wrote in the caption, “I’m really happy to be back with the team.”

After surgery, Neymar began light training privately in July. A club official confirmed to AFP that his full return depends entirely on the coach's decision and how well he is technically prepared.

Last week, Brazil coach Dorival Junior requested Neymar to be patient as he recovers, ahead of upcoming matches against Chile and Peru in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The current champions of the Saudi Professional League, Al Hilal, have yet to register Neymar for the ongoing league, which started last month.

The former Barcelona player is listed as one of the participants in Asia’s largest club tournament, the AFC Champions League. Various media reports claim he earns €100 million annually.

Despite Neymar’s absence, Al Hilal secured the Saudi League title last season, remaining unbeaten with 31 wins and three draws. Before losing to the UAE's Al Ain in the Champions League semi-finals, the Riyadh club had achieved a record 34 wins in all competitions.