Neymar has sent out a strong message to his team-mates after seeing Al-Hilal beat Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. to the King’s Cup.
♦ Al-Hilal win three trophies in 2023-24
♦ Have been without Neymar since October
♦ Brazilian makes trophy vow ahead of new season
WHAT HAPPENED?
Neymar has vowed to help Al-Hilal win more trophies when he returns from injury next season with the Saudi Pro League side. The Brazilian saw his season ended prematurely after he suffered a serious ACL injury in October, but Al-Hilal have coped well without their star signing and have now completed a domestic treble by winning the Saudi Pro League, the King’s Cup and the Saudi Super Cup.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Neymar only played five times for Al-Hilal after signing from PSG in a deal worth €90 million (£77m/$98m). The Brazilian is now in the final stages of his recovery and is expected to be fit in time for the start of the new season in August. He will, however, also sit out the Copa America with Brazil this summer because of his injury situation.
WHAT NEYMAR SAID
He posted on Instagram after the match: “Congrats on an amazing year team, you guys rocked it and today you outdid yourselves again! Thank you for the titles this year. Next season leave it to me. LETS GO HILAL. This year Saudi is BLUE.”
WHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR
It’s been a phenomenal season for Al-Hilal with Jorge Jesus’s side also writing their name into the history books by setting a new world record for of 28 consecutive wins by a men’s top-flight team. The return of Neymar from injury will be expected to strengthen the club further for next season where they will be the team to beat in Saudi Arabia.