Neymar made his long-awaited return to football on Monday, coming on as a substitute for Al Hilal in their AFC Champions League match against Al-Ain after spending 12 months sidelined by injury.
The Brazilian forward shared his excitement after the game.
“I feel good — it’s been so hard,” Neymar said following Al Hilal’s thrilling 5-4 victory. “I always have a good team. But I’m so happy. I’m back, I’m back.”
Neymar had been out of action since October 2023 after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee during an international match for Brazil.
The 32-year-old has only managed five appearances for Al Hilal since joining the Saudi Arabian side for £80 million ($102 million) from Paris Saint-Germain two months before his injury.
With Monday’s win, Al Hilal remains at the top of the AFC Champions League West standings with three consecutive victories. They also lead the Saudi Pro League, having won all seven of their opening fixtures.
