Neymar is set to play for Al-Hilal in an AFC Champions League match next week after being out for a year due to injury.
His marketing company, NR Sports, announced on Saturday that Neymar’s passion for soccer and his desire to compete in the next World Cup are motivating his return.
“Though there’s no final decision for his return, the number 10 will be able to play on Monday to carry on with his remarkable trajectory,” the statement noted, referring to Al-Hilal’s match against Al-Ain from the UAE.
Neymar joined Al-Hilal in August 2023 and had played just five games before needing surgery for a torn meniscus and ACL in his left knee while playing for his country last October.
“These were days of pain, anguish, and a lot of longing for soccer, which were overcome with the help of family and friends, always present for our number 10. And all the fans around the world who gave him all support in social media networks,” the statement continued. “The wait is over.”
A social media post also shared on Saturday featured Neymar discussing his recovery and showed clips of his training efforts.
“Every time I get injured, I come back. But I don’t come back halfway,” a tearful Neymar said in a video.
He started training again in July, but in September, his coach Jorge Jesus said Neymar’s return might take longer. The coach did not confirm if Neymar would play on Monday.
Neymar’s two-year contract expires next August, and he can play in AFC Champions League matches since there are no limits on foreign players in that competition. However, he will only return to the Saudi Pro League in January.
If he is healthy, Neymar could rejoin Brazil’s national team for two World Cup qualifying matches in November.
