A Brazilian billionaire has reportedly left his entire fortune to football star Neymar, despite claims the two never met.
According to Brazilian news outlet RIC, the will was signed in Porto Alegre and authenticated on June 12. Two witnesses were present during the formalisation. Reports state that Neymar, 33, could inherit an estimated £846 million if the legal process is completed.
The billionaire, whose name has not been disclosed, is said to have been unmarried and without children. Local media suggested he chose Neymar because he identified with the player on a personal level.
The businessman reportedly admired Neymar’s strong family ties, particularly his close relationship with his father, Neymar Sr. According to reports, the bond reminded the billionaire of his own late father.
Neymar has not made any public comment on the reports. Brazilian courts will now decide whether the will is valid and whether Neymar can be officially recognised as the heir. Even if approved, legal challenges could follow.
Meanwhile, Neymar is back in Brazil after returning to his first club Santos in January. He had spent 18 months with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, a spell interrupted by injuries.
In the 2024–25 season, Neymar scored three goals in 14 appearances for Santos. This came after his earlier stint with the club from 2009 to 2013, where he netted 136 goals in 225 matches.
In June, the forward renewed his contract with Santos. On the club’s website, he explained his decision: “I made a decision and I listened to my heart. 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.”
He added: “And nothing will stop me. I go, I come back and I stay. Where it all began and where it will never end.”
Neymar has not featured for Brazil since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in October 2023. However, he remains his country’s all-time leading goalscorer with 79 international goals.
