Brazilian forward Neymar is set to move to the Saudi Pro League. The 31-year-old has reportedly put pen to paper on a deal with Al-Hilal, making him the latest Soccer superstar to move to the Gulf nation. Amid reports of his transfer, Selecao legend Pele’s comments on his departure from Barcelona have resurfaced. And with the added context of his six-year spell at PSG, they outline just how disappointing the forward’s career trajectory has been.
Following Neymar’s $242 million move to the French capital, Pele backed his compatriot to shine at the club. He also suggested that the larger-than-life presence of Lionel Messi had an impact on his decision to move.
He said, “At the moment the best player in Brazil is Neymar and I think the move for him was very good because there was huge competition with Messi at Barcelona. I think it’s a good opportunity for him and he needed to move because now he can really play and show what he’s capable of. But it’s also very dangerous when you get given that responsibility.”
Congratulations @neymarjr, good luck in your new challenge. Paris is a beautiful city, one of my favorite in the world! 🇧🇷⚽️🏆 pic.twitter.com/wENWRcLB9X
— Pelé (@Pele) August 3, 2017
The legendary Brazillian was also confident of Neymar winning the coveted Ballon d’Or at PSG. Pele said, “Of course, he can [win the Ballon d’Or at PSG]. Neymar has a football at his feet which is all he needs.”
Unfortunately, the World Cup winner’s hopes have failed to come true, as Neymar now departs France after a middling spell at the club.
Neymar to Al Hilal, here we go! 🚨🔵🇸🇦
After new huge bid revealed two days ago, documents are now approved by all parties involved.
Ney will travel to Saudi this week.
Two year contract.
Number 🔟.PSG set to receive bit less than €100m fee.
Medical to be completed today. pic.twitter.com/R6zR5glroe
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 14, 2023
While it would be unfair to chalk off the transfer as a ‘flop’, the Brazilian was ultimately unable to achieve European glory at PSG. His final years at the club were also mired in uncertainty, which was reflected in his performances. Nevertheless, the 31-year-old was central to the Parisiens’ UCL final run in 2020. And he also picked up multiple domestic titles with the club.
Neymar is set to earn $300 million after his move to Al-Hilal from PSG
The Brazil International will reportedly sign a two-year contract with Al-Hilal, keeping him at the club until 2025. In exchange for releasing the player, PSG will receive an estimated fee of $100 million. As for Neymar’s earnings, the forward will earn a salary ‘comparable to Cristiano Ronaldo’.
🚨 Neymar’s salary at Al-Hilal:
💶 €4.80/second
💶 €288/minute
💶 €17,280/hour
💶 €414,720/day
💶 €2.9M/week
💶 €12M/month
💶 €150M/year
💶 €300M over two seasons🤫🇧🇷🤑 pic.twitter.com/C0doUxOPJz
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 14, 2023
Early details indicate that his annual salary will be around $175 million. When broken down, the sum amounts to around $3.2 million per week and over $300 million per year. The 31-year-old’s arrival further strengthens the overall appeal of the Saudi Pro League. And it will certainly make the title race even more competitive.