Explained: Why Neymar is not allowed to face Cristiano Ronaldo until 2025 with Al-Hilal star set to miss blockbuster Saudi Pro League clash vs Al-Nassr despite recovering from injury

The 32-year-old was out for nearly a year with an anterior cruciate ligament injury but marked his return to football last week in a cameo display for Al-Hilal in the AFC Champions League against Al-Ain. Ahead of his team's heavyweight clash with Ronaldo's Al-Nassr, the Brazilian will not feature in this Saudi Pro League encounter - and here's why.

As GOAL previously reported, the former Paris Saint-Germain star is eligible to appear in AFC Champions League right now as this tournament has no restrictions on the number of foreign players allowed. However, that cannot be said for the Saudi Pro League and, with Neymar not having been registered due to his long-term injury, the Brazil international can only play in this competition from January 2025. Therefore, his Saudi Pro League duel with Ronaldo will have to wait until April at the earliest, when Al-Hilal host the Al-Nassr outfit.

Although Neymar is back playing football, the medical team of the Brazil Football Federation (CBF) want to ease the ex-Barcelona ace back into action. Therefore, he is unlikely to return to the national team until March as he should be back to full fitness by then.

While Neymar will be absent for Al-Hilal's trip to Al-Nassr on Friday, in a battle between first and third in the division, the Brazilian could feature for his team against Esteghlal FC on Monday when the AFC Champions League returns.