The criticism of Neymar for his move to Saudi Arabia does not stop. According to former Spanish soccer player Jonathan Soriano, the Brazilian superstar has “thrown in the towel”. Neymar has enough quality to lead a team that can win the Champions League. “There is no longer Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi here, he could have led the football world alongside Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé. Instead, he decided to make even more money,” said Soriano (37), who played briefly at Al-Hilal in 2019, at the streaming provider DAZN.
The transfer of 31-year-old Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain to Al-Hilal was officially confirmed on Tuesday evening. According to Saudi Arabia-funded news channel Al-Arabija, PSG are set to receive a transfer fee of €90m, with Neymar’s annual earnings being even higher at €100m.
“Stain in Neymar’s career”
The attacker’s move to Saudi Arabia caused regret and incomprehension, especially in his home country of Brazil. “Going to Al-Hilal will be an eternal mark in Neymar’s career,” wrote the Brazilian sports portal Globoesporte on Tuesday. “If the priority was to build and consolidate his career, Ney (his nickname, ed.) would not be going to Saudi Arabia at this point.”
Neymar has successes such as winning the Olympic gold medal and victories in the Copa Libertadores and Champions League. But the feeling remains that “one of the greatest talents of his generation” could achieve much more, the comment said. Numerous Brazilian football fans also expressed their lack of understanding and sometimes severe criticism on social media.
Neymar meanwhile countered the allegations. “Al-Hilal is a massive club with amazing fans and is the best in Asia. It makes me feel like this is the right decision at the right time for me. I love winning and scoring goals and I plan to continue that in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal,” his new employer quoted the 31-year-old in a statement. He wants to write a new story and the league in Saudi Arabia has “tremendous energy”.
According to Brazilian newspaper Folha de S. Paulo, Neymar’s plan is to stay in Saudi Arabia for two years, then return to Europe on a free transfer at the age of 33, play a season at the highest level before the 2026 World Cup – and one last chance have to win the tournament with the Brazilian national team.
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Before Neymar, numerous well-known professionals had already switched to Saudi Arabia. The multiple world footballer Cristiano Ronaldo made the start in winter. Critics see the massive investments in professional football and other sports as an attempt to polish the image on the back of top-class sport. There are numerous criticisms of the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia.
2023-08-16 20:47:47
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