SAO PAULO, Brazil (BN24) — Brazilian football star Neymar is at the center of a surprising inheritance claim after reports surfaced that a billionaire businessman, who had never met the player, allegedly named him sole heir to his estimated £846 million fortune.
According to Brazilian news outlet RIC, the man, whose identity remains undisclosed, formalized the will in an office in Porto Alegre. The document was reportedly authenticated on June 12 with the presence of two witnesses, and is now pending judicial review by Brazilian courts before any official transfer can be made. The court’s approval is essential before Neymar can be legally recognized as the billionaire’s heir.
The unusual decision has drawn national attention, particularly because the deceased businessman is believed to have had no children or immediate family. Local media suggest he chose Neymar out of a deep personal admiration for the 33-year-old forward, particularly citing the athlete’s strong family ties and his close relationship with his father, Neymar Sr.
“He identified with Neymar on a personal level,” a source told local media. “The way Neymar cherishes his father reminded him of the bond he had with his own late father.”
Despite the staggering sum attached to the inheritance, Neymar has not issued a public statement regarding the claim. Legal experts suggest the case could face several complications, as large inheritances without familial links often attract legal scrutiny and potential challenges from distant relatives or interested parties.
The forward, who made headlines earlier this year for his return to boyhood club Santos, remains a beloved figure in Brazil despite recent struggles on and off the pitch. After a brief and underwhelming stint with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, Neymar rejoined Santos in January 2025, scoring three goals in 14 appearances during the second half of the season. It marked a homecoming for the player who originally burst onto the global stage with 136 goals in 225 matches for Santos between 2009 and 2013.
While the billionaire’s gift to Neymar may yet require extensive legal clearance, the story has already sparked widespread discussion across Brazil, adding yet another surprising chapter to the career of one of the nation’s most iconic athletes.
