RIYADH: Al-Hilal star Neymar Jr. has hailed the Esports World Cup as “a great opportunity” for Saudi Arabia after he captained ‘Team Neymar Jr’ in a special cross-competition event at Boulevard Riyadh City.
The Brazilian, a lifelong gaming fan who joined the Saudi Pro League champions in 2023, said the summer-long event had highlighted the Kingdom’s culture and hospitality to the international community.
“This is a great opportunity for the country, especially in terms of the visibility it has generated,” Neymar said. “It allows people to see what Saudi Arabia is really like. I’ve learned a lot of positive things since coming here. It’s a fantastic country, with positive and happy people, and I hope this event this the first of many in the years ahead because it has opened new doors for the world to experience Saudi Arabia.”
Tuesday saw Brazil’s all-time top scorer lead ‘Team Neymar Jr’ against a side captained by Mossad Al-Dossary, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s EWC Club Championship winners, Team Falcons. The match — which saw the two teams face off in Counter-Strike 2, Rocket League, and TEKKEN 8 — ended with a 2-1 win for Neymar’s side.
The player had special praise for the capacity crowd inside the SEF Arena.
“The SEF Arena is incredible, I love it,” he said. “I’ve played here a bit, and it’s surreal to see what they’ve accomplished in just a few months by building it. I love the vibe, everyone I’ve met is so nice and the atmosphere is fantastic. This shows that Saudi Arabia is doing something truly amazing in the gaming and esports world. The Kingdom has become a pioneer for the industry while opening up opportunities across for the region and whole world to be a part of.”
As part-owner of Brazilian organization FURIA Esports, Neymar said he was excited about the industry’s future.
“Esports undoubtedly has a promising future — it’s incredibly exciting for everyone involved and we’re now seeing young people with an opportunity to turn their passion into a career. I’m optimistic about the industry’s growth and the potential it holds for the next generation.”
The star also spoke of the vibrant gaming culture he has experienced throughout his professional career, labeling it as “a significant part” of his life.
“Gaming culture is deeply embedded in the teams I’ve played with. We often play together online, whether in hotels or while traveling,” he said. “Esports is a big part of the world of football, as it’s a great way for us to relax and relieve stress.
“On a personal level, my interest in esports originates from the time I have outside of football. I find it incredibly relaxing; it helps me destress, connect with friends, and offers a different perspective on life. Some of my best memories are tied to playing games like “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive,” so esports has become a significant part of my life.”
The eighth and final week of the EWC begins on Wednesday at Boulevard Riyadh City, with TEKKEN 8 and PUBG Battlegrounds action. ESL and Rocket League begin on Thursday. The PUBG Battlegrounds final is on Saturday, with the other three tournaments’ grand finals taking place on Sunday.
