Brazilian football star Neymar may have received one of the most extraordinary surprises in sports history: a staggering £846 million ($1.11 billion) inheritance from a billionaire he never knew.
According to Brazilian outlet RIC, the businessman, reportedly from Porto Alegre, formalised his will on June 12 in the presence of two witnesses. In a twist that stunned many, he named Neymar as the sole heir to his fortune, with the document now awaiting approval in Brazilian courts.
The billionaire, said to have been single and without children, reportedly felt a strong personal connection to Neymar. He admired the forward’s close bond with his father, Neymar Sr., which reminded him of his own late father.
Neymar, 33, has not addressed the reports. If confirmed, the inheritance would stand out as one of the most unusual in sporting history.
The winger recently returned to Santos in January after injuries hampered his spell at Saudi club Al-Hilal, seeking to reignite his career before the next World Cup. During his first spell at Santos from 2009 to 2013, he netted 136 goals in 225 games before moving to Europe. Since rejoining, he has scored three goals in 14 appearances.
In June, Neymar extended his Santos contract, declaring: “Santos is not just my team, it is my home, my roots, my history and my life. Here I was a boy who became a man, and I am truly loved. Here I can be myself, truly happy. And it is here that I want to fulfil the dreams that are missing in my career.”
