“I BELIEVE IT HAS EVERY CHANCE OF BEING THE BEST WORLD CUP EVER”
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA: Brazilian star and Al Hilal SFC player Neymar Jr. believes that Saudi Arabia has everything it takes to host the best World Cup ever. If the Kingdom secure the right to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup™.
Following an exclusive tour showcasing Saudi Arabia's bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup™, Brazil's all-time leading scorer and Riyadh resident voiced his support.
Speaking from the perspective of someone who lives in the Kingdom Since last year, bearing witness to the deep love the country has for soccer, in line with plans to host the tournament in 2034, Neymar Jr. said: “I think it’s one of the best projects I’ve ever seen in my life, and I’m happy to be a part of it and to help in any way I can. It’s incredible. They’ve thought of everything—not just for the athletes, but also for the fans.”
The tour, led by Hammad Albalawi, head of Saudi Arabia’s bid committee for the 2034 FIFA World Cup™, gave the global icon the opportunity to take a glimpse into the future and explore the five proposed host cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and NEOM, through interactive digital exhibits. Meanwhile, scale models brought to life some of the 15 incredible stadiums proposed to host the FIFA World Cup™ ten years from now.
With the goal of becoming the first country to host a 48-team FIFA World Cup™ on its own, Saudi Arabia’s bid promises to be easily accessible, with 60% of the world’s population within an 8-hour flight, and offers ease of travel, with the average travel time between host cities being less than two hours. And the players and fans are at the heart of the planning, as Neymar Jr. pointed out:
“It’s all about soccer. They’re thinking about the players, so they don’t have to take long flights with long layovers, making it easier to get from the game to the hotel and from the hotel to the game, for a faster recovery.”
While playing for Al Hilal SFC and living in Riyadh with his family, Neymar Jr. has witnessed the growth and investments aimed at developing soccer in Saudi Arabia, as the country continues its journey as one of the fastest-growing and most exciting stories in world soccer.
But it was the warmth of the people that most caught the 32-year-old Brazilian’s attention, and that’s something he wants the world to embrace.
“I have to admit that I was very surprised by Saudi Arabia—in every way. Because from the outside, from a distance, we have a very different perspective on what the country is really like. When people visit here, they gain a very different and positive perspective—just as I did. I was surprised.”
“So it’s very important for everyone around the world to learn more about Saudi culture. I have to say I’m very happy. My family is very happy. It’s been a little over a year since I’ve been living here, so I’ve already settled in,” said Neymar Jr.
Despite a setback caused by an injury that limited his appearances for Al Hilal SFC, champions of the Saudi Pro League, the forward—who has played for and scored goals for Brazil in three different FIFA World Cups™—was impressed by the support he received from local fans during his recovery. He attributes this to the youthful energy of the country’s population, with 63% of the people under the age of 30.
“I found out today that 20 million people in Saudi Arabia are under 30, which creates a buzz "It's incredible, because there are so many young people—practically my age—who have been following my career for almost my entire life. So I'm welcomed with open arms everywhere I go. It's crazy. I'm very grateful for the kindness they show not only to me, but to my family as well," said Neymar Jr.
Encouraged by his recent return to action with Al-Hilal, Neymar Jr. wants to make an even greater impact on soccer—in a country that means a lot to him—by helping to shape future generations in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
“When you become a star, when you become someone important in the world of soccer, your influence grows immensely. I know I have a lot of influence today. I’m aware of my role. Cristiano Ronaldo is a great idol, one of the greatest names in soccer history, just like Benzema.”
“So we know our power, the influence we have, and that’s why we want to help. We want to inspire all children and young people to do the right things, bringing happiness to everyone through our soccer,” reflected Neymar Jr.
As part of the 2034 tour, Saudi Arabia’s investment in youth soccer development was also presented to Neymar Jr., as part of its efforts to ensure that the country and the Saudi Pro League continue to grow and strengthen in the coming years.
Over the past three years, the number of regional youth training centers across the country has increased from nine to 23. More than 200,000 boys and girls now participate in the school league. There are 64 annual youth competitions, and the number of registered soccer coaches has jumped from 700 in 2019 to more than 4,000.
And when asked if Saudi Arabia would have a good team in 2034 if they were to host the tournament, Neymar Jr. gave an affirmative answer: “Oh, definitely! I believe that not only the Saudi Pro League but also the Saudi players are improving every year in terms of quality and competitiveness. That means they’ll definitely be more competitive by 2034.”
“It’s a long road ahead, with a lot of work to be done, but I believe they have everything it takes to become one of the strongest teams in the tournament within 10 years.”
Playing and living in a country with a deep passion for soccer—where 89% of people play, watch, or are otherwise involved in the sport—clearly had an impact on the prolific forward, motivating him to improve even further.
“This opportunity to play in the Saudi league and live in their country is important to people. That’s why I say I’m very welcome here. I’m very happy, and I know things can only get better. Other star players will definitely come here. I believe many will have the opportunity to come here, and I think everyone should have the chance to experience what I’m experiencing here.” Saudi Arabia’s official bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup™—with the slogan “Growing. Together.”—was submitted to FIFA in late July. The decisive vote on who will host the 2034 tournament will take place at the FIFA Congress on December 11 of this year.
