Neymar returns from injury to help Al-Hilal beat Al Ain

Football is rejoicing once more with the return of one of its legends. Just a year and four days after suffering a knee injury, Neymar Jr. made his comeback during the third match of Group B in the AFC Champions League, where his team Al-Hilal triumphed over Al-Ain in a thrilling 5-4 encounter.

The former Barcelona and PSG star came on as a second-half substitute for hat-trick scorer Salem Al Dawsari. The Brazilian played 14 minutes.

 Neymar's comeback followed a year-long absence due to a serious cruciate ligament injury sustained during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay last October. 

He joined Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain in a high-profile €90 million transfer in August 2023, but had only played five matches for the club before his injury.

During his lengthy recovery, he missed an astounding 53 matches, underscoring the significance of his return for both club and country. Al Hilal confirmed Neymar's participation after he trained and traveled with the team in the week leading up to the game, marking a crucial moment in their season. 


In the Asian Champions League match, Neymar showcased glimpses of his world-class talent after coming on in the 77th minute. While he didn't score, he contributed to a thrilling 5-4 victory against Al Ain. 

Neymar's return is particularly important for Al Hilal in continental competition, as the AFC Champions League permits unlimited foreign players, allowing him to participate in critical knockout stages.

Unfortunately, he won't be available for Al Hilal in the Saudi League due to restrictions on foreign players. 

He may also rejoin the national team for the upcoming CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers in November, providing a much-needed boost as Brazil aims to secure a spot in the tournament.

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