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‘Suffered every day’ – Neymar reduced to tears by 12-month injury nightmare as Brazilian superstar prepares to make long-awaited Al-Hilal return

World Cup Qualification CONMEBOL

Brazil

Uruguay

Saudi Pro League

Al Khaleej

Al Hilal

<p>The 32-year-old playmaker has been reflecting on his latest spell stuck on the sidelines as he prepares to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/video-neymar-lethal-11-month-injury-nightmare-brazil-superstar-top-corner-al-hilal-forward-return-action/bltee510f4f8a81956b" target="_blank">make a long-awaited return to action</a> with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal. Neymar has, after <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/neymar-back-brazilian-superstar-return-al-hilal-training-acl-injury-ex-psg-barcelona-sensation-faces-months-out/blt934d83fc272df2e6" target="_blank">stepping back into full training</a>, been included in their squad for an AFC Champions League trip to Al-Ain.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Neymar has not figured for club or country since suffering knee ligament damage while on 2026 World Cup qualifying duty in October 2023. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/no-msn-inter-miami-neymar-rules-out-lionel-messi-luis-suarez-reunion-mls-al-hilal-forward-future-plans/blt53796beb37fe2b9a " target="_blank">Questions have been asked of his future</a> while on the treatment table, with there suggestions that his time in the Middle East could be cut short, but Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer is ready to silence any doubters.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Discussing his <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/neymar-injury-recovery-update-brazilian-superstar-gym-saudi-pro-league-al-hilal-acl-nightmare/blt0533182f4e2a2803" target="_blank">epic journey back to full fitness</a> with the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoZBucMTZPg " target="_blank"><em>NR Sports</em></a> YouTube channel, a tearful Neymar said: “I felt a huge pain. In that moment I already knew it was serious. What I want most in life is to play football. I have suffered every day I've been away from the pitch. This is what hurts me the most. I am focused on the most important people in my life, my family and friends, and football. I have risen every time I have been injured. But I don't return halfway.”</p>

WHAT NEYMAR SAID

<p>Neymar has been <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/cr7-king-saudi-arabia-neymar-booed-tennis-fans-chants-cristiano-ronaldo-rafael-nadal-farewell-tour/blt1a29c7b5a5e97853" target="_blank">restricted to just five appearances for Al-Hilal</a> since completing a big-money transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. His contract is only due to run until the summer of 2025, but there is an extension option within those terms that could keep him in Riyadh for another year.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

‘Suffered every day’ – Neymar reduced to tears by 12-month injury nightmare as Brazilian superstar prepares to make long-awaited Al-Hilal return | Goal.com US

Neymar claims to have “suffered every day” during his 12-month injury nightmare, with the Brazil international breaking down in tears.