“Happy to feel it again”. Neymar commented on his return to the squad
Today is a special day for fans of both the Brazil national team and Al-Hilal. For the first time since October 18, the legendary Neymar has been included in the squad for an official match. He may take the field in the AFC Champions League third-round clash against Al Ain. Here’s how the player himself commented on his return.
Details: The Brazilian posted heartfelt words on his social media platform X.
Quote:
“I’m happy to feel like myself again, the butterflies in my stomach before a match—always a good feeling… may this be a return full of health! May God bless and protect us.”
Reminder: On October 18 last year, Neymar suffered a serious ACL and meniscus injury during a 2026 World Cup qualifying match.
Since joining Al-Hilal, Neymar has managed to play just five matches for the Saudi champions, scoring one goal and providing three assists.
Neymar returned to action for Al-Hilal’s hard-fought 5-4 win over UAE Pro League side Al-Ain in the Asian Champions League on Monday.
The 32-year-old Brazil forward came on for the injured Nasser Al-Dawsari in the 77th minute with his team leading 5-3 thanks to Salem Al-Dawsari’s hat-trick and goals from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Renan Lodi.
He then came close to scoring after a counter-attack late on, before Al-Ain pulled one back in stoppage time with a penalty from Soufiane Rahimi, who also bagged a hat-trick.
Al-Hilal survived a lengthy additional time where its rivals pushed for an equaliser and will remain top of the west Asian standings after three rounds of the league phase.
“I feel good, it’s so hard. I always have a good team. But I’m so happy. I’m back,” said an emotional Neymar after the game at the Hazza bin Zayed stadium.
Neymar had not played for a year after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury during Brazil’s qualifier against Uruguay. He underwent surgery last November.
Having moved to Saudi Arabia from French champions Paris St Germain for a reported 90 million euros ($97.8 million) transfer fee in August last year, Neymar had only played five games before his layoff as he was struggling with muscle injuries.
