Neymar enjoys memorable welcome as Al Hilal put on a spectacle

Al Hilal were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Al Fayha under the watchful eye of their latest star signing Neymar on a night the Brazil icon was unveiled in front of 56,000 fans at King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh.

Neymar, 31, became the Saudi Pro League’s record signing, joining Al Hilal in a blockbuster move from Paris Saint-Germain for a reported fee of €90 million ($98m). The Brazilian was announced as a new Al Hilal player on Wednesday and arrived in Riyadh on Friday.

Earlier this week, Al Hilal also announced the signing of Morocco international goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, with the former Sevilla goalkeeper landing in Riyadh following his participation with the Spanish side in the Super Cup which they lost to Manchester City on penalties.

Joining the duo in the glamorous ceremony which took place ahead of the game was Brazilian Malcom who arrived from Zenit Saint Petersburg for €60 million ($65m). The 26-year-old had marked his Saudi Pro League debut with an away hat-trick at Abha days before his official unveiling.

Neymar’s signing has sparked a frenzy in the Saudi capital with fans queuing for hours at the club’s official store in Riyadh and hundreds more purchasing the number 10 jersey at the pop-up store set up outside the stadium on Saturday evening.

That passion from Abdullah Al Hamdan