Neymar, the Brazilian football superstar, don finally return to football after one year on the sidelines due to a serious knee injury. On Sunday, Neymar train with his club, Al Hilal, in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step in his recovery journey.
Neymar suffer the injury in October last year while on international duty, rupturing his meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee. He undergo surgery and begin his long road to recovery. Despite returning to training in July, his coach, Jorge Jesus, had earlier dampened expectations of an immediate comeback in September.
On Monday, Neymar make his official return to the pitch, coming on as a substitute in Al Hilal’s AFC Champions League Elite match against Al Ain. This match mark 369 days since his last appearance on the field.
Neymar’s marketing company, NR Sports, reveal that his love for football and his hope to play in the next World Cup were key motivators for his return. With his two-year contract set to end next August, Neymar is eligible to play in AFC Champions League matches but will have to wait until January to return to the Saudi Pro League due to foreign player restrictions.
If he remains fit, Neymar could also return to Brazil‘s national team for the upcoming South American World Cup qualifying matches in November).
