“This is Absurd” – Amid Neymar Jr.’s $218 Million Move to Al Hilal, 56-Year-Old Soccer Legend Sounds Off Concerns to View Him as An ‘Idol of Brazil’

Ever since Neymar Jr. broke into European soccer, he has always sent shockwaves across the world with his transfer news. Back in 2017, the Brazilian superstar became the most expensive signing with his record $242.85 million transfer to PSG. Unfortunately, his high profile hasn’t gone as planned.

While many fans anticipated Neymar Jr. to consistently vie with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the Ballon d’Or competition, his time at Paris Saint-Germain was plagued by injuries. Abruptly, his tenure with PSG concluded, as the Brazilian made a startling transition to Saudi Arabia. As anticipated, this unforeseen move hasn’t garnered a favorable reception from Brazilian soccer enthusiasts, particularly from Corinthians legend Neto.

Neto calls Neymar Jr’s move to Saudi “absurd”

Earlier today, Brazilian soccer icon Neto appeared on a broadcast on Radio Craque. The Corinthians started off by flexing his secret knowledge of Kylian Mbappe’s shocking decision to stay at PSG. Neto stated that his sources confirmed Mbappe’s continuation with PSG due to the departure of Neymar and Messi.

Dive Deeper: “Impossible to Keep Him Away” – Barcelona Legend Gerard Pique Recalls Struggles of Defending Against Cristiano Ronaldo and Didier Drogba

“I told the ‘Donos da Bola’ that Mbappé would only play for PSG again with Neymar’s departure,” revealed Neto. “I already knew, the person who told me is a friend of a guy who played there. That’s what’s happening. Messi and Neymar came out, and Mbappé takes over the team as the protagonist,” boldly revealed the Corinthians legend.

The former Corinthians man then came onto the topic of Neymar and expressed his displeasure at his transfer. He believed that as someone who is supposed to lead Brazil in the 2026 World Cup, playing at the Saudi League isn’t ideal. “How can you put this guy to be an idol of Brazil and be the representative in 2026 playing in Arabia? This is absurd,” he shot. Neymar’s move to Al Hilal won’t come across as a sensible move to some Brazilian fans. But for the Saudi League and their media partners, the Brazilian’s inclusion is a gold mine.

Media broadcast partners are the real winners

Based on data from SportBusiness Media Rights Tracker, Saudi Arabia’s 28 international deals from the previous season resulted in revenue of approximately $710,000. While this figure pales in comparison to Premier League’s whopping $4 billion figure, this is only set to increase with the addition of stars like Karim Benzema and Neymar Jr.

After Neto’s rant criticizing Neymar’s move to Saudi, he then looked at the silver lining. He celebrated the fact that this high-profile move will benefit Brazilian TV Channel Band Sports in revenue. The higher the viewership, the higher the revenue. “I can see here that Neymar has already got it right with Al Hilal, Jorge Jesus’ team. The Band will swim in the stroke making the Saudi Arabian championship,” he said in his broadcast on Radio Craque Neto.

WATCH THIS STORY | NFL Star’s Wife Celebrates Soccer Greatest Lionel Messi’s Miami Transfer With Unbridled Joy

What are your thoughts on Neymar’s move to Al Hilal? Did he take the right decision? Or should he have played in Europe as Neto suggested? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!