In the summer of 2023, Neymar made an unexpected change in his career. Even though his departure from Paris Saint-Germain seemed inevitable after a couple of difficult years in the French capital, not many imagined the Brazilian would leave Europe at just 31 years old.
But that’s exactly what happened. After six seasons in the Ligue 1, the former Santos star decided to try something different by accepting a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal to secure an exorbitant contract in the Middle East. He joined the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in a league determined to invest in famous names.
According to Fabrizio Romano at the time of confirming the deal, Neymar signed a two-year contract that would earn him $300 million.
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Official, confirmed. Neymar Jr joins Al Hilal on $300m package record salary in two years, no option to extend 🚨🔵🇸🇦
Salary could go up to potential $400m total until 2025 based on add-ons & commercial deals.
Deal completed by his father Neymar Pai and super agent Pini Zahavi. pic.twitter.com/M3YDaFsWQ0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 15, 2023
It’s worth noting that this amount includes various clauses, both sporting and commercial. The player’s earnings could also reach up to $400 million depending on objectives and sponsorship agreements.
Neymar’s net salary for playing, excluding other incentives outside of his playing and training duties for Al Hilal, is reportedly €100 million per season.
What will happen in 2025?
Given that he signed a two-year deal, Neymar is set to become a free agent in 2025. It remains to be seen if Al Hilal will be looking to renew his contract, especially since they missed the Brazilian for much of his first season at the club: he played only five matches in the 2023-24 before suffering a season-ending knee injury.
In October 2023, Neymar suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee during his national team’s defeat to Uruguay in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
