In an interview, Neymar expressed his desire to play in the Club World Cup with his present team, Al Hilal, next summer, seemingly ruling out a reported move to Inter Miami—at least for the time being.
Reunited with former Barcelona striking partners Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, Neymar has been strongly projected to transfer to Florida ahead of the 2025 Major League Soccer season, which is scheduled to begin in late February. Additionally, Miami has named Javier Mascherano, another former Barcelona teammate, as their new head coach.
However, after suffering an injury-plagued tenure with the Saudi Pro League leaders thus far, Neymar told RMC Sport this week that his immediate emphasis is on establishing his value to Al Hilal.
The 32-year-old stated, “I want to have a good season with Al Hilal.” “I’m recovering from a really bad injury; it will take some time before I can fully recover and demonstrate my motivation for being here.
“Recovering fully, continuing to advance physically, and returning to regular soccer activity are my top priorities. Since the 2025 Club World Cup is a crucial tournament for the team, I’m excited to play with Al Hilal.”
Neymar has only made seven appearances and scored one goal for the Blue Waves since joining Al Hilal in August 2023. Three months later, while serving for Brazil, he tore his anterior cruciate ligament.
As of right now, the former Santos, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain player’s contract with Al Hilal is set to expire at the end of the 2024–2025 season, making him a free agent next summer. He has also been linked to Inter Miami and is expected to return to Brazil to rejoin Santos.
According to people close to the American team, MLS would need to change its wage limit regulations to allow for such a swoop if Miami were to make a play for the forward at any time in the future.
After winning the 2021 AFC Champions League, Al Hilal advanced to the 2025 Club World Cup and was placed in Group H against Real Madrid, Pachuca, and Red Bull Salzburg.
As the host club for the 32-team competition, which will take place in 11 US locations in June and July, Inter Miami will also participate in the Club World Cup. The Herons have been assigned to Group A together with the Egyptians, Palmeiras, and Porto. They will play Al Ahly in the event’s opening match.
Neymar also expressed his wish to represent Brazil in the 2026 World Cup as a member of the national team in an interview with RMC Sport. “Obviously, every player wants to win the World Cup,” he stated. “I would like to attend a fourth World Cup, but I have already been three. After I come back to playing at my best with my club, I need to set it as my medium-term objective.
With 128 caps and 79 goals, Neymar represented Brazil in the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups as a member of the Seleção team.
