Neymar Endorses Saudi Arabia's 2034 FIFA World Cup Bid

In a significant development for the world of football, Brazilian superstar Neymar has thrown his weight behind Saudi Arabia's ambitious bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. This announcement comes after Neymar's visit to the Saudi 2034 bid exhibition, where he was accompanied by Hammad Albalawi, the head of the bid unit. Neymar's enthusiasm for the project was palpable as he described it as "the best project I’ve ever seen" for both players and fans.

The exhibition highlighted the proposed host cities, which include Riyadh, Jeddah, Al-Khobar, Abha, and NEOM. It featured interactive displays showcasing the 15 stadiums that are envisioned for this grand event. Saudi Arabia aims to be the sole host of a 48-team World Cup tournament, leveraging its strategic geographic location, as 60 percent of the world’s population resides within an eight-hour flight of the Kingdom.

Neymar was particularly impressed by the Saudi bid's focus on player welfare. He noted, "They’re thinking about the players … making it easier to get from the game to the hotel and recover faster." This emphasis on player comfort and recovery is crucial for ensuring that athletes perform at their best during the tournament.

Having moved to Riyadh after signing with Al-Hilal in August 2023, Neymar has experienced firsthand the passion for football in Saudi Arabia. He expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he and his family received, despite facing an injury that has limited his playing time. The enthusiastic support from local fans has not gone unnoticed, and Neymar believes that this growing passion for the sport will only enhance the tournament experience.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in developing its football infrastructure. The number of youth-training centers has expanded to 23, and over 300,000 boys and girls are now participating in school leagues. Additionally, the number of registered football coaches has surged from 700 in 2019 to more than 4,000. Neymar is optimistic about these developments, stating, "They will definitely be more competitive in 2034."

Moreover, Neymar acknowledged the impact that he and other international football stars, such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, are having on the Saudi football scene. He emphasized the importance of inspiring young players, saying, "We want to influence all the kids and the youth to do the right things, and to bring joy to everyone with our football."

Saudi Arabia officially submitted its bid for the 2034 World Cup in July, under the theme "Growing. Together." A decision on the host nation is expected to be announced on December 11 during a FIFA Congress. As the world eagerly awaits this decision, Neymar's endorsement adds significant weight to Saudi Arabia's aspirations, highlighting the Kingdom's commitment to elevating its football landscape.

Neymar's support for Saudi Arabia's World Cup bid not only underscores the potential of the tournament but also reflects the broader growth of football in the region. With investments in youth development and infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a formidable player on the global football stage. As fans around the world look forward to the 2034 World Cup, the excitement surrounding this bid continues to build, promising a tournament that could redefine the future of football.