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$100 Million Per Season: Second Highest Earning Player In Saudi League Returns After One Year Injury
After a year on the sidelines, one of the Saudi Pro League superstar players could finally be back on the pitch. Brazilian international, Neymar, who has been out injured since sustaining a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee while on international duty has returned to training with Al-Hilal.
Neymar resumed official training with Al-Hilal in late September after a lengthy rehabilitation process in his native Brazil. In his few weeks back in Saudi Arabia, Neymar – who cost Al-Hilal €90 million from French champions, PSG, in 2023 – has reportedly shown remarkable progress, and personnel associated with the club believe he could return in time for the Asian Champions League on October 21.
The four-time AFC Champions League winners have a rich history in this competition and clearly see the return of Neymar a key component on challenging for their first title since the 2021 season.
Before stepping on to the pitch, he will first need the approval of Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar, who carried out the surgery, however the final say on his return to action will lay with his coach, Jorge Jesus.
With Al Hilal, unbeaten in domestic play with a 100% record, and with striker Aleksandar Mitrovic scoring goals for fun, Jesus, will not be taking any chances with the second highest paid player in the league, after Al-Nassr’s, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Neymar had only played five matches for Al-Hilal before the injury. He is currently in year two of his $100 million a season deal and while the club seemingly has an unlimited resources, they’ll be keen to see any kind of return on their massive investment.
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World Cup 202616 hours ago**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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