RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Neymar’s recent transfer from Al-Hilal back to Brazilian club Santos marks a significant change for the Saudi Pro League, as it loses one of its most recognizable figures.

The Brazilian forward was among a notable influx of international stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr and Karim Benzema, who joined Al-Ittihad, during a busy 2023 transfer window. However, unlike these two high-profile players, Neymar struggled to make a lasting impression during his time in Saudi Arabia due to frequent injuries after making a hefty move worth 90 million euros (approximately $94 million) from Paris Saint-Germain. His time at Al-Hilal was limited to just seven appearances before the club and player agreed to part ways.

Sports analysts do not foresee Neymar’s exit affecting the international reputation of the Saudi league significantly, provided that other top-tier players remain with their respective teams.

“Neymar’s absence will not harm the league’s brand as long as the major stars stay put,” stated Sasi Kumar, a former Singapore national team player and the founder of a sports investment firm based in Spain. “His injuries and the timing of his departure were unfortunate, but Al-Hilal and other clubs will likely make new signings to show their continued ambitions.”

Once celebrated as one of the premier athletes in global football, Neymar faced a turbulent stint in Saudi Arabia, largely sidelined by an ACL injury sustained while representing Brazil in October 2023.

“He couldn’t showcase his talent due to injuries, which is a shame because he fit well into Al-Hilal’s attacking strategy,” remarked Roel Coumans, a former coach in Saudi Arabia. “It was unfortunate timing as Neymar could have been a spectacular addition to the team.”

Coumans concurred with Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus, who indicated that the team’s performance would not falter in Neymar’s absence.

“Al-Hilal remains a formidable outfit in Asia, regardless of whether Neymar is part of it,” Coumans added.

While fans of Al-Hilal expressed disappointment over the departure of the 32-year-old Brazilian, supporter Ayman Al-Hotawi noted that parting ways was beneficial for all involved.

“Al-Hilal is a prestigious club that cannot afford to wait for a player who isn’t performing at his usual level,” Al-Hotawi remarked, emphasizing that this situation underscores the competitive nature of the league.

Speculation about potential replacements for Al-Hilal has emerged, with names like Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Mohamed Salah from Liverpool being considered as possible signings before the club’s participation in the Club World Cup in the U.S. next June. Al-Hilal has yet to make an official statement regarding any new signings.

“They have high ambitions and are keen to attract world-class players to secure their position among the top five or six leagues globally,” Kumar explained.

In the meantime, Neymar is expected to receive a warm welcome back at Santos, his childhood club where he accrued six titles before making the leap to Barcelona in 2013.