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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Neymar had an injury-marred spell at Al-Hilal</li><li>Jesus had criticised Brazilian's fitness levels</li><li>But has now hailed Neymar as one of the best he's coached</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'Best player I've worked with' - Jorge Jesus backtracks on Neymar criticism as 'frustrated' Al-Hilal boss admits Santos star had 'no luck' in Saudi Arabia

Paulista A1

Inter de Limeira

Santos FC

Saudi Pro League

Al Hilal

Al Kholood

<p>Neymar made a high-profile switch to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/al-hilal-terminate-neymar-contract-seven-appearances-homecoming-transfer-santos-imminent-brazil-superstar/bltebcaa300a092d91b" target="_blank">Al-Hilal in the summer of 2023</a>, leaving Paris Saint-Germain for a reported fee of €90 million (£75m/$93m). However, his spell in Saudi Arabia was severely disrupted by injuries. After featuring in just five matches, the 33-year-old suffered a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/suffered-every-day-neymar-tears-12-month-injury-nightmare-brazilian-superstar-al-hilal-return/bltfcf45b0a69316e17" target="_blank">devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, </a>ruling him out for the remainder of the 2023-24 season. Neymar returned in the following campaign, but his comeback was short-lived, as another injury setback once again forced him onto the sidelines.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Jesus initially suggested that Neymar<a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/very-upset-neymar-blasts-al-hilal-jorge-jesus-return-santos-dismal-spell-saudi-pro-league/blt9ddaa1be8a390268" target="_blank"> "can no longer play at the level we are used to."</a> However, the Portuguese coach has now admitted that he was "frustrated" by how things unfolded, acknowledging that Neymar was simply unfortunate rather than past his best.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Softening his stance on Neymar, Jesus in an interview with <a href="https://x.com/Canal_11Oficial/status/1888639298896789988" target="_blank"><em>Canal 11</em></a>, said: "I had no luck at all, neither he nor I. He was at Al Hilal with a very serious injury. He was the best player I've worked with since I became a coach. We didn't have much time to show everything he had. A good professional, a good friend, he's not a star.</p><p>"But the truth is that things didn't work out. Sometimes, talking to myself, frustrated, I even think 'how come I didn't manage to get this player, who is a superstar, to do well?' But whatever. These things happened. If he left, it had to be for Brazil. He's going to help the national team a lot."</p><p>The former PSG star has admitted he left Al-Hilal feeling hurt, particularly by Jesus’ assessment that he was no longer capable of performing at the top level.</p><p>Jesus said in response: "Did he leave sad? He did, especially with me. It still hurts me today because he is a star. He is outside the box."</p><p></p>

WHAT JESUS SAID

<p>Despite rumours linking him to a reunion with former <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/neymar-why-needs-mls-transfer-lionel-messi-spark-barcelona-msn-strike-force-reunited-inter-miami/bltc91e8a68866c40a5" target="_blank">Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez</a> at Inter Miami, Neymar instead opted for a six-month contract with boyhood club Santos. The move has been seen as an attempt to rediscover his form and fitness, with the Brazilian aiming to represent his country <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/neymar-2026-world-cup-brazil-santos-return-willing-play-anywhere-defensive-midfielder/blt4eb7c576255c2be6" target="_blank">at the 2026 World Cup.</a></p>

WHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR?

'Best player I've worked with' - Jorge Jesus backtracks on Neymar criticism as 'frustrated' Al-Hilal boss admits Santos star had 'no luck' in Saudi Arabia | Goal.com

Jorge Jesus made a surprising U-turn on his Neymar criticism as the &quot;frustrated&quot; Al-Hilal boss admitted the Santos star had &quot;no luck&quot; in Saudi Arabia.

&apos;Best player I&apos;ve worked with&apos; - Jorge Jesus backtracks on Neymar criticism as &apos;frustrated&apos; Al-Hilal boss admits Santos star had &apos;no luck&apos; in Saudi Arabia

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