Neymar has made a bold assertion, suggesting that the Saudi Pro League could potentially surpass the French league, in what appears to be a subtle jab at his former club, Paris Saint-Germain.
In August, Neymar became one of the many high-profile stars to make a lucrative move to the Middle East, joining Al Hilal in a deal reportedly worth €100 million (£86.3 million), thereby ending his six-year stint with PSG.
The 31-year-old agreed to a two-year contract that pays him a staggering £2.5 million per week, along with various other financial incentives, including an alleged bonus for each social media post endorsing the country.
Furthermore, reports indicate that Neymar has made significant personal requests, including a 25-room mansion with eight employees for maintenance, nine cars, and all expenses covered for travel, dining, and accommodation.
Despite not setting foot onto the pitch yet for Al Hilal, Neymar has already suggested that the league is “better” than Ligue 1 in a controversial interview.
“For the names that went to Saudi Arabia, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was better than the French league”
Neymar couldn’t resist 🤣
(via @BBCMOTD) pic.twitter.com/adpjq8R9Ql
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 8, 2023
“I can assure that the football in Saudi Arabia is the same,” Neymar told reporters on Thursday. “The ball is round, we have goal posts.”
“And I think that, for the names that went to Saudi Arabia… I wouldn’t be surprised if the Saudi league is better than the French,” he added.
There is no question that the level of competition within the league should spiral following an influx of superstars and managers into Saudi Arabia, though many fans remain sceptical of the quality.
Neymar also discussed his mindset and his ‘thirst for winning’, saying: “But, my head must be good, I must be happy, I must feel well.
“I know how to take care of myself, what I need to do to be in conditions to play a game. I have been living this for the last 15 years.
“There’s no secret. We have intense practice there, the thirst to win is still big, I want to win trophies with Al Hilal… it doesn’t change much.”
Al Hilal are currently joint-top of the Saudi Pro League on 13 points alongside Al Tawawon, having played five games so far this season.
They face 15th-placed Al Riyadh next in the division, with Neymar in contention to make his debut as he recovers from injury.