Brazilian superstar Neymar was recently announced as the new signing of Saudi club Al Hilal.
Please read also: From PSG to Al Hilal: Brazil’s Neymar permanently joins Saudi club
The 31-year-old footballer has left Paris Saint-Germain to sign a two-year contract with Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal.
On Tuesday 15 August 2023, Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal announced the signing of Neymar after days of anticipation.
📝 Neymar Jr. signs with Al-Hilal until 2025#alhilal 💙#Neymar_Hilari pic.twitter.com/Ll3FV6ouph
— Alhilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) August 15, 2023
Al Hilal introduced Neymar as a new signing on their official social media accounts. “I’m here in Saudi Arabia. I’m Hilary,” the Brazilian star said in a video posted on the team’s social media.
“I’m Hilary here in Saudi Arabia💙”@neymarjr #alhilal
pic.twitter.com/q7VUhf0FnQ— Alhilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) August 15, 2023
Images and videos also showed Neymar signing his two-year contract alongside Al Hilal club president Fahad bin Nafer in Paris. The deal with Al Hilal is reportedly worth around $98.24 million.
📸 Historic stuff coming @neymarjr 🤩💙#Neymar_Hilari 💙 pic.twitter.com/twy8K72I7K
— Narrative (@Alhilal_FC) August 15, 2023
A new history is about to be completed💙@neymarjr #Neymar_Hilari
pic.twitter.com/3VhTX59aDq— Alhilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) August 15, 2023
In addition to the warm welcome from the club, the Brazilian star was also welcomed by Saudi Arabia’s Prince Alwaleed bin Talal.
On his official X account (formerly Twitter), Prince Alwaleed bin Talal shared a clip of himself having a fun video chat with the new Al Hilal player.
Prince Alwaleed, who calls Saudi Arabia “Asia’s No. 1”, said he was “happy” to be in Riyadh and wished Neymar good luck.
See More #Naomi – welcome #neymar jr#Naomi@alhilal_FC@Fahad_Alotaibi_@neymarjr pic.twitter.com/EgkjMkLaZQ
— Yasun (@Alwaleed_Talal) August 15, 2023
The video also shows billionaire Prince chatting with club president Fahd bin Saad bin Nafar, who was sitting next to Neymar.
As soon as Neymar announced his move to the Saudi club, Al Hilal fans were outraged, sharing their excitement on social media.
Neymar Facetime with Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. He is considered the richest man in Saudi Arabia and is a big supporter of Al Hilal 🔵
pic.twitter.com/lflisjl8aj— Neymoleque | Fan 🇧🇷 (@Neymoleque) August 15, 2023
60,000 Al Hilal fans are waiting for Neymar next Saturday 🔥⚽️ #neymar #Brazil #alhilal #saudi league pic.twitter.com/pRr4qEbx5z
— Ah (@AA2101111111) August 16, 2023
With so many transfers to Saudi Arabia, it is undeniable that at some point people will start seeing transfers to Saudi Arabia the same way they see other leagues.
For me, I was blown away by Neymar going to Al Hilal. I’m going to watch Al Hilal now🔵
tell me about you 😃— Ive 𝕏 (@Ibu_pvt) August 16, 2023
Brazilian ace Neymar has become the latest player to move to Saudi Arabia after attracting attention from the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
Please read also: New coronavirus variant raises alert: Saudi Umrah pilgrims urge to wear masks
cover image source: twitter