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SAFF Roshn Saudi Pro League 2023-24 MD6 Neymar Jr of Al-Hilal SFC gestures during their Match Day 6 of the SAFF Roshn Saudi Pro League 2023-24 against Al-Riyadh SC at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium on September 15, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Riyadh King Fahd International Stadium Kingdom of Saudi Arabia PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxJPNxUK Copyright: xStrignerx 2023.9.15-Al-Hilal SFC vs Al-Riyadh SC .GS.WEST_HOA_001074

via Imago
SAFF Roshn Saudi Pro League 2023-24 MD6 Neymar Jr of Al-Hilal SFC gestures during their Match Day 6 of the SAFF Roshn Saudi Pro League 2023-24 against Al-Riyadh SC at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium on September 15, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Riyadh King Fahd International Stadium Kingdom of Saudi Arabia PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxJPNxUK Copyright: xStrignerx 2023.9.15-Al-Hilal SFC vs Al-Riyadh SC .GS.WEST_HOA_001074
On Friday, Al-Hilal secured a crucial win in their quest for the Saudi Pro League title against Al-Shabab. The win keeps the club at the top of the league table ahead of Al-Ittihad. Despite all the off-the-field drama surrounding Neymar, the Brazilian showed his class and finesse in the game. He missed a penalty in the first half but redeemed himself after assisting for the game’s first goal, scored by Kalidou Koulibaly. Jorge Jesus, with whom Neymar was rumored to have not been on good terms, has also defended the player.
According to the rumors, the former PSG star even asked the club to replace the former Benfica boss. Neymar claimed the allegations about his bust-up with his manager were utterly false. The duo have been in the spotlight ever since. It seems the two may have revived their relationship since.
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Jorge Jesus defends Neymar after his penalty miss.
Neymar was defended by his boss, Jorge Jesus, despite missing a penalty. He expressed his sympathy towards the Brazilian after the game. He said, “Neymar is coming back from an injury, and any player misses penalty kicks. Little by little, he is regaining his self-confidence and will reach his level. Neymar played a great match, and it is his best match with us.”
جيسوس:
"نيمار عائد من اصابة وأي لاعب يضيع ركلات جزاء، شيئاً فشيئاً هو يستعيد ثقته بنفسه و سيصل لمستواه، لقد قدم نيمار مباراه كبيره وهي الافضل له معنا." pic.twitter.com/Pe8xf93vXn
— Neymar World (@NJ10World) September 30, 2023
Despite the news criticizing his behavior in front of his manager, Neymar was joyful as his teammates sang, “Ole, Ole…Mister, Mister,” applauding their boss. The former Barcelona forward’s class gesture might have repaired their relationship. Even Jorge Jesus supported the talented winger after his penalty miss.
Has Neymar finally improved his relationship with his manager?
Will Neymar guide Al-Hilal to success after a fantastic start to the season?
Al-Hilal has started in tremendous form. The Saudi Giants are now the only undefeated team in the league. They have scored the second most goals in the league this season, only behind Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al-Nassr.
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Al-Hilal forwards Aleksandar Mitrović and Malcom have scored six goals each, only behind Ronaldo. Al-Hilal has won the SPL 18 times already, which is a record. This season, it will be quite the task to win the league, as other rival clubs have strengthened impressively. But Neymar will be a key figure if Al-Hilal hopes to secure the league title.

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AFC Champions League 2023-24 MD1 Neymar JR of Al-Hilal SFC KSA in action against PFC Navbahor UZB during their Match Day 1 of the AFC Champions League 2023-24 at the King Fahd International Stadium on September 18, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Riyadh King Fahd International Stadium Kingdom of Saudi Arabia PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxJPNxUK Copyright: xStrignerx 2023.09.19_PSI03215_SRA_0000772
Despite a shaky start, Neymar will look to show his talent and achieve success with Al-Hilal. The 31-year-old signed for the Saudi club on a €930,000 weekly wake. The winger has made three appearances for the club. He has yet to score but has made two assists. The forward will have his eyes on the 2026 World Cup, as he is yet to show his skills and flair for his national team in the World Cup.
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If the Brazilian sensation can keep up his fitness and performance, then Al-Hilal will likely clinch the league this season.
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