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.

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.

The first team of Al-Nassr FC in Saudi Arabia witnessed the return of Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo during training, as part of intensive preparations for the upcoming match against Turkmenistan's Arkadağ. This match is part of the first leg of the Round of 16 in the AFC Champions League, a tournament in which Al-Nassr is aiming to strongly compete for the title this season.

Despite Cristiano Ronaldo's return to group training, the atmosphere remains somewhat tense, with recent reports casting a shadow over the Al-Nassr scene. According to the source, there is a crisis stemming from Ronaldo's request to coach Jorge Jesus not to include him in matches during this period. This has sparked widespread debate in Saudi sporting circles and created uncertainty surrounding the team's stability ahead of this important continental competition.

Al-Nassr is scheduled to be a formidable guest against Arkadag on Wednesday evening in a crucial match for qualification. This encounter holds strategic importance for Al-Nassr, as the AFC Champions League (in its new format) represents a golden opportunity for Saudi clubs to reaffirm their continental dominance and expand their international achievements, especially given the significant support the sports sector enjoys in the Kingdom.

In a related context, Turkmenistan's Arkadağ is considered a formidable rising team in Central Asia, making this match a true test of Al-Nassr's mental and physical readiness. Playing away from home in different climatic conditions requires special preparation, which amplifies the importance of having experienced players like Ronaldo to control the team's rhythm and guide the players on the pitch.

As of now, no final and official decision has been made regarding Cristiano Ronaldo's travel with the team to Turkmenistan. The Portuguese star's position remains uncertain, torn between his stated desire to rest and the team's crucial need for his services at this critical stage of the season. This makes the next few hours decisive in determining Al-Nassr's starting lineup for the match.