Brazilian football superstar Neymar could become nearly a billion pounds richer after being named the sole beneficiary in the will of an anonymous Brazilian businessman, despite the pair never having met. The Santos midfielder stands to inherit an astonishing £846 million ($1.1 billion) fortune in what has become one of football’s most extraordinary off-pitch stories.
The will, officially registered at a notary office in Porto Alegre on 12 June 2023, has resurfaced in Brazilian media this week, sending shockwaves through the football world. The Colégio Notarial do Brasil (Notary Association) in Rio Grande do Sul confirmed the document’s authenticity, though questions remain about the exact value of the estate and when the 33-year-old footballer might receive the unexpected windfall.
According to Brazilian outlet RIC, the mysterious benefactor is described as a single 31-year-old with no children who chose to leave his entire fortune to the former Paris Saint-Germain star. The businessman, who has requested anonymity, reportedly owns assets worth 6.2 billion Brazilian Reais, equivalent to approximately £846 million, though some reports suggest the figure could be even higher at $1.1 billion.
The decision to name Neymar as sole heir stems from deeply personal reasons. The billionaire is said to have admired Neymar’s close relationship with his father, which reminded him of his own family bond. In interviews with Brazilian media outlet Metrópoles, the businessman explained: “I identify with him on a personal level,” adding that he was particularly moved by the footballer’s family values.
The will was signed in the presence of two witnesses and a deputy notary, satisfying legal requirements, at Notary Office No. 9 in Porto Alegre. The document specifically names “Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior” as the sole beneficiary of the disposable portion of the estate, using the footballer’s full legal name to avoid any ambiguity.
Despite the will being registered over two years ago, the story has gained fresh momentum after Brazilian TV show “Melhor da Tarde” aired a segment about the inheritance in September 2025. The renewed coverage has sparked widespread debate across Brazil about why a wealthy businessman would choose to leave such a vast fortune to an already millionaire footballer rather than charitable causes.
The timing of this revelation comes as Neymar has recently returned to his boyhood club Santos after terminating his contract with Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal. Neymar’s net worth is already estimated at between $300 million (£223m) and $330 million (£245m), accumulated through his record-breaking transfers and lucrative sponsorship deals with brands including Puma and Red Bull.
During his brief stint in Saudi Arabia, Neymar earned a staggering £129.2 million annually, breaking down to £2.5 million per week, despite playing just seven matches due to injury. His return to Santos in January 2025 saw him accept a significant pay cut, reportedly earning around £500,000 for a six-month contract, though he retains 80% of commercial deals secured during his tenure.
Legal experts have highlighted potential complications in the inheritance process. Brazilian civil law follows a “forced heirship” system, under which 50% of a deceased person’s estate must go to a spouse or children, while the remaining half can be freely willed. However, as the businessman reportedly has no direct heirs, Neymar could theoretically receive the entire estate.
The inheritance faces several hurdles before reaching Neymar’s bank account. Brazilian courts must validate the will and confirm its legitimacy, a process that could take considerable time given the extraordinary sum involved. Reports in the Brazilian press suggest that extended family members may challenge the will, arguing they are entitled to a share of the estate under succession rules.
Celebrity Net Worth journalist Brian Warner, who investigated the story, confirmed: “The will is very real. It was registered at a Porto Alegre notary in June 2023, and Neymar’s name is indeed listed as sole heir”. However, he cautioned that the billion-dollar figure remains unverified, noting there is “no official record proving Neymar will receive that amount.
Neymar’s representatives have maintained silence on the matter, stating they have not received any official notification from Brazilian courts regarding the inheritance. The footballer himself has made no public comment about the extraordinary bequest, focusing instead on his return to Brazilian football with Santos.
The businessman’s motivations appear rooted in both admiration and mortality. Sources close to the story suggest he has been experiencing health issues despite his relatively young age, prompting him to formalise his estate planning. His decision to bypass potential state inheritance or distant relatives in favour of his football idol has captivated Brazilian media.
Industry insiders note that if the inheritance is confirmed, it would catapult Neymar into an elite financial bracket alongside sports billionaires like Michael Jordan and LeBron James. The windfall would more than double his current net worth, cementing his position not just as one of football’s highest earners but as one of the wealthiest athletes in history.
The story has divided public opinion in Brazil. Many view it as an extraordinary act of fan devotion, whilst others question the ethics of leaving such wealth to an already millionaire athlete rather than charitable organisations or those in need. Social media has been ablaze with debates about wealth distribution and the responsibilities of the ultra-rich.
For context, Neymar’s career earnings have already been astronomical. His 2017 transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain for a world-record £198 million made headlines globally. At PSG, he earned approximately £62 million annually in salary alone, before his lucrative move to Saudi Arabia further swelled his bank balance.
The footballer’s return to Santos, where he began his professional career in 2009, marks a full-circle moment in his illustrious career. Having scored 136 goals in 225 appearances during his first stint, Neymar is viewed as a club legend. His current focus remains on maintaining fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where he hopes to finally deliver Brazil’s sixth World Cup title.
Brazilian inheritance law experts suggest the process could take months or even years to resolve, particularly if legal challenges emerge. The businessman remains alive, meaning the inheritance cannot be processed until his death, adding another layer of uncertainty to the timeline.
Financial analysts have noted that Neymar’s existing wealth comes not just from football but from savvy business ventures. He co-runs NR Sports with his father, managing his commercial interests and image rights. His endorsement portfolio includes deals with Puma worth £23 million annually, significantly higher than his previous Nike contract.
The inheritance story has also reignited discussions about Neymar’s complex financial history. In 2022, Brazilian courts froze nearly £37 million of his assets during a tax dispute, though this was later resolved. His financial affairs have often made headlines, from his record-breaking transfers to his extensive property portfolio.
As the legal process unfolds, questions remain about whether Neymar will accept the inheritance if confirmed. Some speculate he might redirect the funds to charitable causes, whilst others suggest he could use it to invest in Brazilian football infrastructure.
The extraordinary bequest represents one of the most unusual legacies ever left to a sports personality. It underscores Neymar’s influence beyond football, reaching into the hearts of fans willing to make the ultimate gesture of admiration.
Until Brazilian courts make their determination, the billion-pound question remains: will Neymar actually receive this remarkable fortune? Legal proceedings are expected to commence once formal notification is issued, though no timeline has been established for resolution.
For now, Neymar continues his football journey at Santos, seemingly unaffected by the inheritance speculation. Whether he becomes a billionaire through this unexpected windfall or continues building his fortune through football and business ventures, his financial future appears remarkably secure.
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Image Credit:
Neymar at the 2016 Olympics, Brazil vs South Africa (4 Aug 2016) — photo by Agência Brasil Fotografias, licensed CC BY 2.0
