'I'm so happy!' - Neymar speaks out after starting 'the greatest comeback in football' at Al-Hilal as 'magical' Brazilian is compared to Ronaldo & backed for 2026 World Cup bid

After 12 months stuck on the sidelines with knee ligament damage, Neymar finally stepped back onto the field when being introduced as a substitute by Al-Hilal in their AFC Champions League win over Al Ain – with the Brazil international getting 13 minutes off the bench.

A thrilling contest finished 5-4 in favour of the Saudi Pro League title holders, with Neymar completing a long road to recovery that left him in tears at times. The 32-year-old told reporters on the field at the final whistle: “I feel good... I always have a good team. I'm so happy. I'm back! I'm back!”

Neymar had been restricted to just five appearances for Al-Hilal when suffering a serious knee injury when turning out for his country in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on October 18, 2023. His return is not just being embraced by those in Brazil and the Middle East, with football fans around the world delighted to see him back.

Former Uruguay international defender Diego Lugano told ESPN of football as a whole benefiting from having Neymar’s magic back – with his recovery being likened to that of fellow countryman R9, who once endured injury issues of his own. Lugano said: “Very good news for world football. The most magical player football has had in the last decade, different. I think this is the biggest challenge of his career. If he can return to being 70 or 80% of what he was years ago, it will be the greatest comeback in football, even compared to the Phenomenon's.

“After a year away, it's very difficult to get back to the same rhythm and level he had before, especially given his style of play. And now with his joints compromised, I imagine he won't have the same lightness that characterised him so much. But everyone is rooting for him to get close to that level to try for glory in the last World Cup.”

Neymar, with 128 caps and 79 goals for Brazil, is expected to play on towards the 2026 World Cup – which will offer him a final shot at elusive global glory. His contract at Al-Hilal, which is due to run until the summer of 2025, could be extended to that point if a clause in lucrative terms is triggered.