The Saudi Arabia team was forced to remove Neymar from the playing list, giving the spot to rookie Renan Lodi.
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| Al Hilal’s move is understandable because Neymar was seriously injured and unable to play. |
Al Hilal has just announced the transfer of Renan Lodi from Marseille for 23 million euros. According to the regulations of the Saudi Pro League, each club can only register a maximum of 8 foreign players. Due to a long-term injury, Neymar was dropped by Al Hilal to make room for fellow Brazilian player.
According to The Athletic , Neymar’s contract was not terminated. If he recovers promptly at the end of the season, the 31-year-old striker can be registered back in the Al Hilal squad to participate in the AFC Champions League and any tournament abroad. However, Saudi Arabia’s football rules do not allow him to participate in domestic tournaments, including the King’s Cup.
The former Barcelona player suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and torn meniscus in his left knee when he and Brazil lost 0-2 to Uruguay in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on October 18. He had to have surgery and was diagnosed with being out for the rest of the season.
In the summer of 2023, the Brazilian superstar left PSG to join Al Hilal for 90 million euros. However, things took a turn for the worse. He only appeared in exactly 5 matches for his new club before getting injured.
In 2023 alone, Neymar went on the operating table twice. Doctors diagnosed Neymar as likely to miss the Copa America in summer 2024.
