football
With Neymar’s help: League in Saudi Arabia to grow
Neymar (l) with Fahad Bin Saad Bin Nafel, CEO of Al-Hilal. photo
© -/Al Hilal Club Media Center/AP/dpa
One superstar after the other moves to the soccer league in Saudi Arabia. Neymar wants to help keep it going – and win titles with his new club.
With his move to Al-Hilal, the Brazilian superstar wants Neymar make the Saudi Arabian league attractive to even more well-known football professionals.
“I’m here to help the league grow more and more. It’s already changing a lot, there are a lot of commitments,” said the international in a video published by his new club: “The league will certainly be competitive, especially after the changes recently. I hope our club will have a strong season.”
Neymar (31) moved to Saudi Arabia from French serial champions Paris Saint-Germain and signed a two-season contract with the option to extend for another season. Neymar could make his debut for his new club next Saturday in the game against Al-Fayha. “We want to win titles and meet the club’s expectations,” said the attacking player.
Ronaldo as a pioneer
Cristiano Ronaldo, who was the first world star to enter the previously meaningless league, also played a major role in his move. “Cristiano started it all and everyone said he was crazy. But now you can see the league growing more and more,” said Neymar, adding: “It’s an unusual move, but a new challenge.” He’s excited to be able to play against Ronaldo or Karim Benzema again, who also moved to the Arabian Peninsula from Real Madrid.
The Saudi Pro League has had a major impact on the transfer market this summer with massive investments. Sadio Mané from FC Bayern Munich and other stars also took the previously unusual route from Europe’s top clubs to a sportingly uncertain but financially all the more attractive future. According to Saudi Arabia-funded news channel Al-Arabija, PSG are set to receive a transfer fee of €90m, while Neymar’s annual earnings are even higher at €100m.
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 is widespread criticism of the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia.