Neymar makes Al-Hilal return in Champions League against Al-Ain

In the AFC Champions League's third round, Saudi Arabia's champions Al Hilal defeated Al Ain on Monday, October 21, 2024.

This game was notable, though, for one very important reason: in the 77th minute, Neymar, the star forward for Al Hilal, finally returned to the field after 369 days out.

This was the first game he has played since the World Cup qualifier against Uruguay on October 18, 2017, when the Brazilian sustained a cruciate ligament injury.

The game was amazing, with nine goals scored, even if Neymar did not directly contribute on any of the goals.

Al Hilal commanded a 3-1 advantage in the first half, but Jorge Jesus' club gave up three goals while scoring two more after the interval.

The Asian Champions League final result was an exciting 5-4 win for the visitors.

Legendary Saudi football player Salem Al-Dawsari scored three goals, with further goals coming from Renan Lodi and Sergej Milinković-Savić.

Neymar had only made six appearances for Al Hilal before this.

In five games since leaving PSG for €90 million, he has so far tallied one goal and three assists.

Al Hilal and Al Ain will both compete in the 2025 Club World Cup.