Photos: Neymar gets rapturous welcome at Saudi club Al Hilal

Becomes the latest world-famous footballer to join the big-spending Saudi Pro League

Last updated: August 19, 2023 | 22:19

2 MIN READ

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Brazilian superstar Neymar was greeted by thousands of adoring fans at Al Hilal on Saturday as he became the latest world-famous footballer to join the big-spending Saudi Pro League.

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Flame-throwers and a volley of fireworks lit up the Riyadh sky as the flamboyant forward appeared in Al Hilal's blue kit at Riyadh's 68,000-capacity King Fahd International Stadium.

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The 31-year-old, who became the world's most expensive footballer in when he joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, waved and smiled to the crowd as a drone display spelled "Neymar is blue" above the venue.

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After his unveiling, along with fellow new signings Malcolm and Yassine Bounou, the stadium lights came on and the Muslim call to prayer rang out over the loudspeakers.

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Excitement has been high for Neymar, who joins a string of huge names approaching the twilight of their careers to be lured by oil-rich Saudi's giant contracts.

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Neymar is interviewed during his unveiling ceremony at Al Hilal in Riyadh.

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Neymar joined Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona six years ago for a world-record fee of $242 million, scoring 118 goals in 173 matches despite a series of injuries.

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He will earn 100 million euros a season in Saudi Arabia, according to a source close to the negotiations, while PSG will pocket 100 million euros in the deal.

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Fans cheer ahead of the unveiling ceremony of Brazilian superstar Neymar at Riyadh's King Fahd International Stadium.

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Neymar waits to enter the pitch during his unveiling ceremony at Al Hilal in Riyadh.

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This picture shows a drone display depicts "Neymar is blue" during his unveiling ceremony at Riyadh's King Fahd International Stadium.

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Neymar is expected to make his debut at Al Raed on Thursday.

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