Neymar made his highly anticipated debut for Al Hilal, but it wasn’t without some disappointment from the club’s fans. The Brazilian superstar joined the Saudi Pro League club last month in a record-breaking £78 million transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. After recovering from a long-term ankle injury, Neymar finally took to the pitch for his new team in a game against Al Riyadh.
The 31-year-old forward came off the bench in the second half and played a crucial role in Al Hilal’s 6-1 victory. However, despite the win, some of the club’s fans were left disappointed by one particular moment in the game. Al Hilal was awarded a penalty, which presented Neymar with a golden opportunity to score his first goal for the club. But to the dismay of the fans, Salem Aldawsari stepped up to take the penalty instead. The fans expressed their desire for Neymar to take the spot-kick and booed Aldawsari’s decision.
Despite the fans’ reaction, Aldawsari remained focused and successfully converted the penalty. Neymar joined in with the celebrations, showing his support for his teammate. The game also saw former Fulham star Aleksandar Mitrovic score from a penalty in the first half, while ex-Premier League players Ruben Neves and Kalidou Koulibaly started for Al Hilal.
The victory against Al Riyadh propelled Al Hilal to the top of the league standings. The team has now won five out of their six opening games under the guidance of manager Jorge Jesus. Their impressive start to the season has put them in a strong position to compete for the league title.
Al Hilal’s closest competitors are Al Ittihad, who boast star players such as Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Fabinho. Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard manages Al Ettifaq, who currently sit in fifth place. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr is currently in seventh place in the league.
Neymar’s debut for Al Hilal was highly anticipated, as fans were eager to see him back in action after his long injury layoff. The Brazilian forward last scored a goal in league football in February earlier this year, and fans were hoping to witness his return to scoring form. However, they will have to wait a bit longer, as Neymar didn’t find the net in his debut game. Nevertheless, his presence on the pitch and contribution to the team’s victory were evident.
The Saudi Pro League has become an attractive destination for top football players from around the world. With big-name signings like Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo, the league has gained international attention and is becoming increasingly competitive. Fans can expect more exciting matches and performances from these star players as the season progresses.
In conclusion, Neymar’s debut for Al Hilal was met with mixed reactions from the club’s fans. While some were disappointed that he didn’t take the penalty, others recognized his contribution to the team’s victory. Al Hilal’s strong start to the season puts them in a favorable position in the league standings. As the Saudi Pro League continues to attract top talent, fans can look forward to more thrilling matches and performances from their favorite players.