Neymar reveals his plans to invest in Saudi Arabia and the truth about his return
In recent statements, Brazilian star Neymar da Silva expressed his deep longing for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, stressing that the time he spent in the capital, Riyadh, left a profound impact on him and his family, indicating the possibility of his return to the Kingdom, but this time through investment and not just football.
Memories of Riyadh and a peaceful life
Speaking to the "In the Goal" program on Al Arabiya channel, Neymar opened his heart to the Saudi public, saying, "Saudi Arabia will remain in my memory and heart for life. I miss it very much, and I miss the peaceful life there and the restaurants." The Brazilian star added that his and his family's happiness in Riyadh was indescribable, and he confirmed his intention to visit the Kingdom again in the near future.
The context of sports transformation in the Kingdom
Neymar's comments come at a time when Saudi Arabia is experiencing an unprecedented boom in the sports sector, as part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Saudi Professional League (SPL) has transformed in recent years into a global destination, attracting top football stars and placing it among the most followed and competitive leagues worldwide. Neymar's move to Al-Hilal was not merely a sporting transaction, but rather part of a larger project to enhance the quality of life and bolster the Kingdom's soft power.
From player to investor: A vision for the future
Regarding his professional future and his relationship with the Kingdom, Neymar made an interesting point, saying, "I don't really know if I'll ever play in the Saudi league again, but as an investor, yes, absolutely. It was a fantastic experience for me." He then revealed his investment ambitions, stating, "I'm currently working on building a smart city in Brazil specializing in sports activities, named after Neymar Jr., and I intend to build a similar city in Saudi Arabia. I have great affection for this country.".
This trend reflects the growing confidence in the Saudi investment environment, which has become a magnet for capital and quality projects from around the world, especially in the entertainment, sports and real estate development sectors.
Injury and an unbroken relationship with Al-Hilal
Regarding his time with Al-Hilal, Neymar expressed his regret at not being able to give his all due to the serious cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for an extended period. He said, "I couldn't perform at the level I hoped for because of the serious injury, but Al-Hilal is a great club and I still support them." He also mentioned following the team in the Club World Cup and maintaining his relationship with former teammates like Ali Al-Bulaihi, Mohamed Kanno, and other Brazilian players.
Dreaming of the next World Cup
Neymar concluded by emphasizing his physical readiness and his continued desire to represent the Seleção, saying, "I gave my all for Brazil, and I still dream of playing in the World Cup." It's worth noting that Neymar is Brazil's all-time leading scorer and aims to cap his international career with a major achievement at the upcoming World Cup.
