Brazilian superstar Neymar recently shared his thoughts on life in Saudi Arabia during an interview with CNN, expressing how the Kingdom has exceeded his expectations
Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, where he received the Player Career Award, Neymar described Saudi Arabia as “a country that has surprised me in a positive way.”
Reflecting on his time so far, Neymar praised the Saudi culture, the warmth of its people, and the rapid development of its cities
“Saudi Arabia has surprised me in a positive way. The people, the country, the cities, the culture—it’s all been very different from what I expected, in the best way possible,” he said.
Looking ahead, Neymar expressed excitement about Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup, calling it an incredible opportunity for the Kingdom to showcase its growth on a global stage
While Neymar’s comments align with Cristiano Ronaldo’s previous praise of the Saudi Pro League, he kept his focus on his personal experience, saying he’s “Happy at Al Hilal and happy in Saudi Arabia.”
Neymar’s reflections highlight not just his satisfaction with his move but also the growing appeal of Saudi Arabia as a destination for global stars—both on and off the pitch.