One of the perks of playing football at an elite level is the amount of free time professionals enjoy after training sessions.
Several footballers have been known to go home and play the FIFA franchise on PlayStation, some meet up with players from other clubs and enjoy lunch out together, while a select few have revealed they study a degree in their free time.
But perhaps the most popular pastime for footballers past and present is playing another sport entirely. A relaxed round of golf at their local course to be precise.
England striker Harry Kane and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola are both avid golfers, while former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale once jokingly held a flag proclaiming “Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order” after helping Wales qualify for Euro 2020.
And it would seem players in the Middle East are no different, with global superstar Neymar Jr recently hitting the fairways at Riyadh Golf Club alongside his daughter.
The Brazilian has been living in Saudi Arabia ever since joining Al Hilal in August 2023 for a reported €90 million.
Unfortunately for the former Barcelona frontman, he has only played five times for the Saudi Arabian giants after tearing his ACL and meniscus in his left knee last October.
With Neymar Jr currently undergoing rehab ahead of a hopeful summer return to competitive action for the 19-time Saudi Pro League champions, it appears that golf is part of his recovery plan.
