In Focus: Neymar can lead the line as Saudi revolution continues

Neymar has completed a blockbuster move to the Saudi Pro League in another major coup.

The Brazilian joins the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in football's fastest-growing competition and will link up with Kalidou Koulibaly and Ruben Neves at Al-Hilal.

After signing a two-year contract, the 31-year-old will be expected to hit the ground running and help the club secure a record 19th league title.

As he prepares to embark on his new adventure, we take a look at what Neymar has left to offer.

A football icon

The former Paris Saint-Germain forward is one of football's most iconic faces and he will bear the weight of the league's growing reputation on his shoulders.

Neymar has just become one of the highest-paid players in the world and he will undoubtedly be out to prove a point for Al-Hilal.

The Blue Waves are the most successful club in Asia, winning 66 trophies and holding the record for the most Asian Champions League titles.

And the addition of Brazil's iconic winger will only improve their chances of claiming top spot after missing out at the hands of Al-Ittihad last season.

Class is permanent

Neymar has showcased his world-class talent at every club he has been at, starting with Santos before going on to win the Champions League with Barcelona and eventually settling at PSG.

During his six-season stay in France, the trickster made 173 appearances in all competitions, scoring 118 goals.

Injury may have marred much of his 2022-23 campaign, but the 124-cap international still managed to strike 13 times and provide 11 assists in 20 Ligue 1 matches.

Only the best

Neymar opted to join Al-Hilal despite his salary being capped at nearly half of Al-Nassr talisman Ronaldo's haul.

But it seems the Brazil ace is determined to add more silverware to his cabinet before he finishes his playing career.

On his arrival at Al-Hilal, he said: "Al-Hilal is a giant club with fantastic fans, and it is the best in Asia. 

"This gives me a feeling that it is the right decision for me at the right time with the right club. 

"I love winning and scoring goals and I plan to continue doing that in Saudi Arabia and with Al-Hilal."

Flair and finesse

Part of Saudi Arabia's project to create one of the top leagues in the world involves recruiting players that will bring the entertainment factor to town.

Allan Saint-Maximin, Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez are a few examples of signings who are known for their flair and the addition of Neymar adds another skilful talent to the pool.

The five-time Ligue 1 winner will be looking to lead by example on the pitch and fans can expect to see skills, speed and elegance from their new No10.

At just 31, he still has plenty of time to prove that he belongs in the same bracket as Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as a great of the modern era.