Neymar made his long-awaited return to the pitch after more than a year out due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, coming on as a substitute during the second half of Al Hilal's AFC Champions League Elite match against Al Ain.
The Brazilian forward entered the game in the 77th minute, replacing Nasser Al Dawsari, shortly after Salem Al Dawsari netted a goal to give Al Hilal a 5-3 lead. Neymar almost made an immediate impact, linking up with Aleksandar Mitrovic to create a chance, but his shot went just wide of the left post.
The match concluded with a score of 5-4 in favor of Al Hilal, even after Al Ain managed to convert a late penalty.
After the final whistle, Neymar shared his feelings.
"I feel good..., he said. “I always have a good team. I'm so happy. I'm back! I'm back!"
The former Paris Saint-Germain star sustained his knee injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay shortly after moving to the Saudi Pro League (SPL). He underwent surgery in November 2023.
Neymar joined Al Hilal from PSG in August 2023 for a reported fee of €90 million but had only played five matches before his injury.
In a show of support, Neymar's former club Santos celebrated his comeback with a message on X.
"It was more than 12 months away from the field, with an immeasurable longing to return to doing what he loves so much," the Brazilian club stated.
"Neymar is not just a star. It's not just genius. Neymar is synonymous with joy in football. His return is the happiness of millions of fans around the world. And, when it comes to fans, the Santos nation has an incomparable feeling. A more than special bond with the best Brazilian player of recent years."
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick expressed that the warm welcome given to Gavi gave him goosebumps, as the midfielder made his comeback from an 11-month injury hiatus during Sunday’s 5-1 victory over Sevilla in LaLiga.
Gavi had been sidelined since tearing his ACL while representing Spain last November, but he came off the bench for the last 10 minutes of the match against Sevilla at the Olympic Stadium.
At just 20 years old, he replaced Pedri and took on the captain's armband, receiving an incredible ovation from the Barcelona fans upon his return to the field.
"I am happy for this result and especially for Gavi," Flick remarked during a press conference. "It's really amazing when you see the atmosphere in the stadium and the fans. It was goosebumps, unbelievable, and I like this.
"Any concerns about how Gavi's intense playing style might be affected by his injury were quickly laid to rest as he immediately engaged in challenges upon entering the game.
"The intensity he brought to the match when he came in was good," Flick noted. "But it'snormal; it's his way to play. Sometimes it's okay to be a bit calmer, but that’s not his style.
"Gavi expressed his joy at returning to action, thanking his teammates and fans for their support and stating that his time away from the pitch has helped him appreciate his opportunities even more.
"I have been dreaming about this for many months, and I am grateful to my teammates who made the process easier for me," he told reporters.
"The hardest thing is not playing, watching from the outside. It's frustrating and tough. You have to enjoy every moment, and [time out] allows you to value the things you have. I feel fortunate to be back.
"I missed playing football the most; this is my life, it is what I have always done. When all the fans and your teammates appreciate you and give you that reception, you feel very lucky."
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