A Look Back: When Neymar debuted in RSL

A headline addition to the Roshn Saudi League last summer, it's safe to say Neymar's return to action will represent one of the 2024-25 season's most compelling storylines.

How could it not? The Brazilian magician, whose debut campaign in the Kingdom was regrettably curtailed by injury, is his country’s all-time leading goalscorer and has been a champion of Brazil, Spain, France, South America, Europe and the global game.

Not to mention, also, that Neymar stands as one of the most impactful footballers of today, with hundreds of millions of followers across social media.

But, when it comes to purely football, RSL fans were rightfully enraptured by the former Santos, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward choosing Al Hilal last August as the next destination in an already decorated playing career.

Neymar’s long-awaited debut came, finally, on September 15 last year, in Matchweek 6 against Al Riyadh, when he provided a star cameo in the eventual champions’ 6-1 victory at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium. Introduced in the 64th minute for compatriot Michael, Neymar went on to set up another fellow Brazilian, Malcom, to score Al Hilal's fourth goal seven minutes from time.

And, since just this Monday Neymar posted confirmation of his return flight to Riyadh as he ramps up the final stages of rehabilitation ahead of his comeback in the upcoming 2024-25 campaign, we focus on that on-pitch introduction that suggests this is much more to come from this bona fide superstar.