Brazilian star Neymar has once again dominated the headlines, not because of his on-field brilliance, but because of his staggering salary during an injury-plagued season with Al Hilal in the Saudi Professional League. Relocated to the Middle East, Neymar’s 2024 season encapsulated the extremes of modern football, with limited on-field influence and astronomical salaries. Having played just 42 minutes in two games, the former Barcelona ace’s earnings have sparked debate about the value and cost of high-profile transfers in the football world.
In the summer of 2023, Neymar left five-time Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain to join Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. The move is reported to cost a staggering €90 million and signals the Saudi Professional League’s growing ambitions to attract top talent. Neymar signed a two-year contract with a reported annual salary of 101 million euros, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.
Despite such significant investment, the Brazilian has had his time in Saudi Arabia plagued by injuries. During World Cup qualifying in October 2023, he tore his anterior cruciate ligament and was sidelined for a year, limiting his opportunities to play for Al Hilal.
Neymar’s contribution in 2024: 2 games, 2.4 million euros per minute
In 2024, Neymar played just 42 minutes in two games for Al Hilal, making a total of 45 touches. His brief appearances came as a substitute in the AFC Champions League matches against Al Ain and Esteghlal. However, despite such limited action, the 32-year-old player has collected his full annual salary, earning an average of 2.4 million euros per minute played and a staggering 1.12 million euros per touch, according to Futmercato’s calculations. I got the amount I deserved.
Figures like these highlight the financial risks clubs take when investing in high-profile players. Despite Neymar’s lack of ability, the Blue Waves have already spent nearly €300 million in transfer fees and wages since his arrival.
Context of Neymar’s salary: comparison with other football icons
Neymar’s income makes him one of the highest paid elite players in football. According to Foot Mercato, the top five earners in 2024 are:
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nasr): 263 million euros Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): 124 million euros Neymar (Al Hilal): 101 million euros Karim Benzema (al Ittihad): 96 million euros Eurokilian Mbappe (PSG/Real Madrid): €83 million
While Ronaldo and Messi dominate the list with their enduring global appeal, Neymar’s third place position highlights the financial strength of the Saudi Professional League. His €101 million salary dwarfs even that of Mbappé, who reportedly accepted a huge pay cut to realize his Real Madrid dreams.
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