Neymar reveals secrets of his experience with Al-Hilal and his project in Saudi Arabia
In a candid and extensive interview on Al Arabiya channel, Brazilian star Neymar Jr., the all-time top scorer for the Seleção and current Santos player, revealed detailed information about his time in Saudi Arabia, touching on hidden aspects of his professional and personal life, his relationship with Al Hilal club, and his future investment plans in the region.
Neymar Ecosystem Project and Investment in Saudi Arabia
Neymar's statements weren't limited to the sporting aspect; he also revealed his investment side by announcing his intention to launch his ambitious "Neymar Ecosystem" project in the Kingdom. The Brazilian star explained that this project is an extension of the sports city nearing completion in Brazil, an environmentally friendly city dedicated to various sporting activities. This move aligns with the economic and sporting boom Saudi Arabia is experiencing under Vision 2030, which has made the Kingdom an attractive environment for global sports investments, encouraging Neymar to seriously consider replicating his successful experience in Saudi Arabia.
The truth about Al-Hilal's experience and the impact of the injury
Speaking about his time with Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, Neymar bravely admitted that the experience "didn't quite reach its full potential." He attributed the main reason to the severe cruciate ligament injury he suffered while playing for his national team, which sidelined him for an extended period and prevented Al-Hilal fans from enjoying his skills for a longer time. Despite the severity of the injury and his lack of full fitness at the time, Neymar affirmed his continued support for Al-Hilal, stating that he follows and cheers for the team from Brazil, reflecting the mutual respect between the player and the club.
Nostalgia for Riyadh and the relationship with Saudi players
Neymar displayed a deep affection for the Saudi capital, Riyadh, describing it as a city that left an indelible mark on his memory. He expressed his longing for the city's tranquility, its restaurants, and, most importantly, the warm welcome and love he received from the Saudi people. As evidence of the profound human connections forged during his time there, Neymar revealed his continued contact with his former Al-Hilal teammates, specifically Ali Al-Bulaihi and Mohamed Kanno, confirming that his experience in the Kingdom extended beyond the pitch, creating lasting friendships.
Saudi League: A global competitive force
In a technical assessment of Saudi football, Neymar ranked the Saudi Professional League (the Roshan League) as the sixth best league in the world in terms of competitiveness. This statement reinforces the growing stature of the Saudi league, which has attracted a host of international stars in recent years, thus increasing its market and technical value. Neymar also noted that the remarkable development in the Kingdom's infrastructure and sports facilities is progressing steadily and clearly towards global standards.
The World Cup dream and family
On the international stage, Neymar affirmed that his dream of winning the World Cup remains strong, noting that the Brazilian national team is currently in good form. He also addressed his father's pivotal role in his career, emphasizing that family comes first and that while his father is free to express his opinion, the final decision and responsibility rests solely with him.
