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."
Francesco Totti, the legendary figure of AS Roma, has shocked football fans with his recent comments about a potential return to Serie A. The 48-year-old, who hung up his boots in 2017, revealed that he has received calls from various clubs, making him contemplate a comeback.
“I admit that they made me think a little, a little crazy. It would be difficult, but in life you never say never,” he said. Totti acknowledged that many players have continued their careers long after retirement, hinting that he could still have something to offer on the pitch.
The iconic No. 10 also expressed that any return would depend on rigorous training. “If I were to return to Serie A I would have to train really well,” he stated. Despite being open to the idea, Totti made it crystal clear that he would never wear the colors of Lazio, Roma’s arch-rivals.
Totti believes that his skill set could still shine in the current landscape of Serie A. “With the levelof today's Serie A I could easily have my say on the pitch,” he asserted. He maintains a base level of fitness by playing casually, and has indicated he could be match-ready in two to three months.
As he reflects on his past and future, Totti remains a beloved figure in Italian football, and his potential return would undoubtedly send waves through the football world.
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