Leao sends Neymar message as Brazil star makes return after 12 months out | OneFootball

Milan star Rafael Leao is among the football superstars to send a message of congratulations to former Brazil captain Neymar, who made his return for Al-Hilal on Monday night after a year-long spell on the sidelines through injury.

“Football is back,” Leao wrote in Portuguese, along with a photograph of the returning star in Al-Hilal colours in an Instagram story on Monday night.

It has been a year and two days since Neymar suffered a heartbreaking cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. He has since missed 53 of his team’s matches.

Several high-profile players have also wished the Brazilian well on his return to competitive action, particularly from Brazil teammates past and present, including Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior and his former club Santos.

The game turned out to be an absolute thriller, with Al-Hilal rising to a 5-4 victory over Al-Ain in the AFC Champions League league phase. Former Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic was on the scoresheet for Al-Hilal.

Picture: Leao welcomes Neymar back after 12 months out

Rafael Leao sends a message to Brazil star Neymar after his 12-month injury lay-off.