Neymar, the Brazilian footballer and former Barcelona player, made history during the 2018/19 season with his incredible performance for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
The match was played on September 5, 2018, at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Neymar scored four goals in the first half alone as he helped Al-Hilal win the game 6-1 against Al-Nassr FC.
This was not just any ordinary match; it was a record-breaking performance for Neymar. The previous record for the most goals scored in a single match by a foreign player in Saudi Arabia was held by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who scored five goals against Al-Nassr FC in the same match in 2014.
Neymar's performance was so impressive that he became the first foreign player to score four or more goals in a single match in Saudi Arabian football. He also set new records for the highest number of goals scored in a single match by a foreign player in Saudi Arabia and the highest number of goals scored in a single match by a Brazilian player in Saudi Arabia.
After scoring the fourth goal, Neymar celebrated by lifting his shirt and revealing a shirt sponsor,Saudi Pro League Focus which is a common practice among players when they score a hat-trick or multi-goal matches. This gesture has become a trademark of Neymar's style of play.
Neymar's performance was not only remarkable but also significant for Al-Hilal, as it marked their return to the top tier of Saudi Arabian football after a long absence. They finished the season in second place, behind only Al-Faisaly, and qualified for the AFC Champions League for the first time since 2010.
In conclusion, Neymar's record-breaking performance for Al-Hilal in the 2018/19 season was nothing short of extraordinary. It showcased his exceptional skills, dedication, and passion for the game. His performance set new records and paved the way for future generations of Brazilian footballers to follow in his footsteps.