Inside Saudi Arabia’s £238m ‘Operation Neymar’: Brazil’s number 10 becomes the new king of the mega-rich Pro League at Al-Hilal and with millions of people set to see his reveal online, here’s their chance at an ‘elite’ showcase

The cracker is on. Panic phone calls have already been made. As you read this, the planet is being scoured for its best creative talent. Producers and directors will be dragged out of their daily lives and dragged into first class seats on their way to Riyadh with no expense spared. Why? Because Neymar is about to become the latest big name to move into the Saudi Pro League – and the reveal has to be fit for the new king.

The £78 million deal to bring the Brazilian from PSG to Al Hilal has been agreed. Mail Sport understands the player will earn £130 million a year and will likely be officially announced later today or tomorrow.

But while the ink on the latest mega contract is not yet dry, Operation Neymar is already active.

Insiders here say a stadium presentation to an adoring crowd will be the most likely route shortly after the 31-year-old arrives next week. But while the stands are packed – 60,000 came to see Karim Benzema and his Ballon d’Or – much of the focus will be on the millions watching online.

This isn’t just an asset to Al Hilal, it’s an asset to Saudi Arabia and although they are battling against the clock, Neymar’s reveal could also be used to highlight another major facility in the capital that has officials think the world should know.

Karim Benzema had a spectacular start in Al-Ittihad when this show was staged in Jeddah

The Saudis are no longer foreign to this. There are at least three event companies, including Newcastle United shirt sponsor Sela, that can go in a jiffy.

There has already been iconic content. In 2021, a video of Red Bull’s Formula 1 car roaring through the deserted narrow streets of Jeddah’s old city quickly went viral. Saudi Arabia’s youthful population has a thirst for social media that sets it apart from most others. They are the largest consumers of YouTube content in the world. Experts who have worked on events such as the opening ceremonies of the Olympics and the World Cup are likely to be consulted.

An industry expert based here explained: ‘They are working against the clock, but they are leaving no stone unturned. There is already a lot of talent here, but they also fly in like the best if they have to and if they get it done in time. The people in charge, be it the Public Investment Fund or Al Hilal, are getting everything they need. Expect them to spend millions. This is going to be elite. There will be production, creative directors, show directors and lighting directors. There will be fireworks, drone shows, music – this will be a big project and they will want as much media as possible to get as much attention as possible.”

The reveal is just the beginning. They are already rushing to print shirts with Neymar’s name on the back. Social media campaigns will be set up.

The costs for fireworks, production talent and entertainment will run into the millions, an industry expert says (photo of Karim Benzema’s unveiling

While some may consider it fanciful, the aim of the competition itself is to become sustainable. The mission to recoup those Riyals has begun.

Talks will be ongoing with Neymar and his representatives about what he should and should not do during the term of his two-year contract. Similar talks were held with Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of his move from Manchester United. The Portuguese’s contract is said to contain several clauses around image rights and marketing obligations, along with details of promotional commitments.