Neymar's earnings from just two matches in 2024 rival those of many athletes who play an entire season

Neymar Jr.’s move to Al-Hilal has been one of the most lucrative in football history. In his first two games for the Saudi club in 2024, he earned a reported 101 million euros. With only 45 touches across both matches, his earnings per touch have been calculated at an astonishing 2.2 million euros. This highlights the astronomical sums involved in modern football and the immense earning power of top-tier players.

Neymar Jr.'s performance at Al Hilal has generated great expectation and, at the same time, a series of questions. Since his arrival in Saudi football, the Brazilian star has made headlines for his millionaire contract and his adaptation to a new league. However, his performance on the pitch has been below what many expected, leading to a debate about the reasons behind this low level.

Expectations and Reality

When Neymar signed for Al Hilal, it was expected that he would revolutionize Saudi football and lead the team to conquer local and continental titles. His undeniable talent and experience in the best leagues in the world augured a promising future in Saudi Arabia. However, the Brazilian's numbers and performances have not lived up to expectations.

Possible Causes of Low Performance

• Adaptation: Changing leagues and countries is not easy for any player, much less for one of Neymar's caliber. Adapting to a new style of play, a different climate, and a different football culture can take time.
• Injuries: Throughout his career, Neymar has suffered several injuries that have affected his performance. It is possible that some physical ailment is limiting his abilities at Al Hilal.
• Lack of motivation: Some experts have suggested that Neymar may have lost some motivation after reaching the pinnacle of European football. Playing in a less competitive league may not be enough to keep him at his peak.
• Media pressure: The enormous media pressure that Neymar is under in Saudi Arabia could be affecting his performance. The expectations are very high, and any mistake or mediocre game is amplified by the media.
• Quality of the league: The Saudi Pro League, although it is constantly growing, is still not at the level of the major European leagues. This could be making it difficult for Neymar to find the same rhythm and intensity that he had in teams like Barcelona or PSG.

The Impact on Al Hilal and Neymar

Neymar's poor performance is having an impact on both Al Hilal and the player himself. The Saudi team expected the Brazilian to be their big star and lead them to glory. However, the results are not as expected, and the fans are starting to get impatient.

For his part, Neymar faces a complicated situation. His image as a star player is being affected, and his long-term future is in doubt. The Brazilian must find a way to regain his best form and prove that he is still one of the best footballers in the world.

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