Recent international press reports have revealed that Brazilian star Neymar da Silva, former player of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal and recently signed to Brazilian club Santos, has made a decisive and final decision regarding his career in the coming period, with the aim of maintaining his maximum technical and physical readiness in preparation for the 2026 World Cup finals.

Sources reported that Neymar informed the management of his club, Santos, of his categorical refusal to play any matches on artificial turf fields, justifying this by his extreme fear of suffering a new health setback or muscle injury that could thwart his great dream of representing his country in the upcoming World Cup, which is scheduled to be jointly organized by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Medical concerns and history of injuries

This decision stems from the player's desire to avoid risk, as he seeks to minimize injuries, especially after his long struggles with knee and ligament problems in recent years. It is medically known that playing on artificial turf increases pressure on joints and ligaments compared to natural grass, posing a greater risk to players returning from long-term injuries, such as the one Neymar previously suffered with Al-Hilal.

Last chance and sixth title

The 2026 World Cup holds exceptional importance for Neymar, as it is seen as the Brazilian maestro's "final dance" on the international stage. Brazil, which hasn't lifted the trophy since 2002, is striving to reclaim its former glory and win its sixth star. Neymar understands that leading the Seleção in this tournament requires him to be at his physical peak, far removed from the physiotherapy rooms that have plagued much of his career.

Ancelotti and the national team squad

The same source continued, explaining that Neymar has his sights set on the final list for the Samba team, noting that the Brazilian national team coach, Carlo Ancelotti, will announce the list at the beginning of next month, which puts additional pressure on the player to prove his readiness without suffering any sudden setbacks that would disrupt his international return.

Liverpool received unwelcome news from Ligue 1, as young defender Jérémy Jacquet , the Reds' new signing currently on loan at Rennes, suffered a serious shoulder injury. The injury occurred during his team's match against Lens in Ligue 1 on Saturday, raising concerns about the player's fitness ahead of his expected move to Anfield this summer.

Details of the injury and Rennes' fall

The match, which ended in a 3-1 defeat for Rennes, was a dramatic affair for the young defender. In the second half, Jacquet suffered a horrific fall on his shoulder, clearly in excruciating pain, and was forced to leave the pitch immediately. This wasn't Rennes' only injury; their woes were compounded by the injury to teammate Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal.

Habib Bey emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, "Jérémy injured his shoulder, while Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal suffered a muscle injury." The coach added, with a concerned tone, "We'll see what happens after the tests, but initial indications suggest that their injuries are indeed serious," raising questions about the players' recovery time.

Liverpool hit by a severe defensive crisis

This news comes at a particularly difficult time for Liverpool, who are already suffering from an unprecedented injury crisis in their back line. The team, currently sixth in the Premier League table, are preparing for a crucial match against Manchester City this Sunday.

Liverpool enters this crucial match missing four of its key defenders due to a series of injuries: Giovanni Leone , Joe Gomez , Jeremy Frimpong , and Conor Bradley . Jacquet's injury is a significant blow to the club's future plans, as the coaching staff had hoped for his return in the summer to bolster this weakened defense. However, this latest injury could disrupt preseason preparations and present additional medical challenges for Liverpool's medical team.

Impact of the injury on the player's future

Loan spells are crucial for the development of young players, and Jacquet's loan to Rennes was intended to provide him with experience and exposure in a competitive league like Ligue 1. However, his serious shoulder injury could hinder his physical development and delay his adaptation to the Premier League upon his return. Liverpool fans are anxiously awaiting the results of thorough medical tests to determine whether the injury will require surgery, potentially sidelining him for an extended period, or if it will only require an intensive rehabilitation program to allow him to return during pre-season training.

The Saudi Professional League witnessed great excitement in its 21st round, culminating in the announcement of the ideal lineup for the round by the global sports statistics platform "SofaScore." The selected lineup reflected the remarkable technical superiority of Al-Hilal, who continue to deliver exceptional performances this season. The league leaders dominated the list with a selection of their most prominent stars who directly contributed to securing points and strengthening the team's lead.

Top stars of Round 21 according to SofaScore ratings

According to the precise figures and statistics compiled by the global network, three prominent names featured at the forefront of the lineup. The Al-Hilal duo of Malcom and Saudi international Salem Al-Dawsari , delivering impressive performances that combined attacking effectiveness with individual skill. Alongside Al-Hilal's dominance, the list also included the great French star Karim Benzema , who secured his place thanks to his movement and influence on the field, reflecting the high technical value that international stars bring to the Saudi league.

The list was not limited to attackers and playmakers, but also included defensive balance and solidity in the midfield, as the lineup witnessed the presence of the solid defender Ibanez , the star of Al-Ahli Club, who presented outstanding defensive levels, in addition to Nandez the midfielder of Al-Qadisiyah, who proved his worthiness to be among the top players in the league thanks to his abundant effort and the accuracy of his passes.

The context of Al-Hilal's dominance and artistic performance

This dominance of Al-Hilal in the lineups across various rounds is part of a broader trend for the club this season, where, under the guidance of its coaching staff, the team is playing a comprehensive style of football based on possession and high pressing. Historically, Al-Hilal is known for its ability to maintain an upward trajectory in the final stages of the league, and round 21 is a pivotal point that underscores the team's determination to continue its pursuit of the title. The consistent presence of players like Salem Al-Dawsari and Malcom in high ratings reflects the technical and administrative stability enjoyed by the Riyadh-based club.

The impact of international stars on the competitiveness of the Roshan League

The presence of names like Karim Benzema and the stars of Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli in the Team of the Week highlights the tremendous transformation Saudi Arabian football has undergone. The Roshan League is no longer just a local competition; it has become a global spectacle thanks to attracting top players from Europe's top five leagues. This influx not only boosts the league's market value but also contributes to the development of local players through daily exposure to diverse international football styles, as clearly demonstrated by Salem Al-Dawsari's improved performance and his ability to keep pace with and even surpass his foreign counterparts.

The importance of SofaScore statistics in modern football

SofaScore's selections hold particular significance for fans and analysts alike, as they rely on precise algorithms that measure every touch, pass, and interception, objectively and without bias. The inclusion of these players in the ideal lineup is not merely an honorary recognition, but a numerical testament to their performance and productivity on the pitch, thus fostering a competitive spirit among players vying for a place in the lineups for upcoming rounds.