Wed Jan 29 22:29:15 IST 2025: ## Neymar’s Saudi Arabian Stint Ends in Record-Breakingly Expensive Flop

**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia** – Brazilian superstar Neymar has parted ways with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, bringing a short and injury-plagued chapter to a close. The club confirmed on Tuesday that both parties had agreed to terminate his contract, thanking the 32-year-old forward for his time. Neymar, in turn, expressed gratitude for the opportunity but admitted to a less than ideal experience on the pitch.

The €90 million transfer, finalized in summer 2023, has become the most expensive in football history based on cost per appearance. Hampered by injuries – including a torn cruciate ligament and hamstring issues – Neymar managed only seven appearances for Al-Hilal over 18 months, resulting in a staggering €12.8 million cost per game. This surpasses even the high-profile flops of Mattia Caldara (€12.6m per appearance for AC Milan) and Hugo Ekitiké (€12m per appearance for PSG).

While Al-Hilal received nothing in return for releasing Neymar, his departure marks the end of a financially disastrous period for the club. Neymar’s overall transfer fees throughout his career exceed €400 million, significantly more than any other player, solidifying his position as one of football’s most expensive – and, in this case, least productive – acquisitions. The move is widely considered one of the biggest transfer flops in football history.

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