In a story that reads like something from a Hollywood script, Neymar Jr. has found himself at the center of one of the most bizarre inheritance tales in sports history. A 31-year-old Brazilian businessman from Porto Alegre has officially named the Santos superstar as the sole heir to his estimated $1 billion fortune – despite having never met the football legend.
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The Shocking Will Registration
The extraordinary will was officially registered on June 12, 2025, at the 9th Notary Office of Porto Alegre, witnessed by two people and signed by a substitute notary. According to Brazilian media outlet GZH, this anonymous businessman has no family or professional ties to Neymar whatsoever, making this one of the most unusual inheritance cases ever recorded.
A businessman is leaving 1 BILLION DOLLARS to Neymar in his will. The administrator justified that he identifies with the athlete & decided to give his inheritance to the player 💵 pic.twitter.com/CVbbRRE0VQ
— Ginga Bonito 🇧🇷 (@GingaBonitoHub) September 3, 2025
The Inheritance Breakdown
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Businessman’s Age | 31 years old |
Location | Porto Alegre, Brazil |
Estimated Fortune | $1 billion USD (6.1 billion rand) |
Will Registration Date | June 12, 2025 |
Assets Included | Properties, investments, company shares |
Neymar’s Response | No official notification received |
The Emotional Connection Behind the Decision
What drives a millionaire to leave everything to a complete stranger? The businessman’s explanation is as touching as it is unusual. Speaking to Brazilian media, he revealed his deep emotional connection to Neymar’s story.
“I like Neymar, I identify with him a lot. He is not selfish, which is rare these days,” the anonymous benefactor explained. He was particularly moved by Neymar’s close relationship with his father, which reminded him of his own late father.
Personal Parallels
The businessman cited several reasons for his extraordinary decision:
- Shared experiences with criticism: “I also suffer from defamation”
- Family values: Neymar’s bond with his father resonated deeply
- Character assessment: He believes Neymar possesses “rare values” and isn’t greedy
- Health concerns: The businessman mentioned he’s “not in very good health”
Neymar’s Current Situation
Currently playing for Santos FC after his return to Brazilian football in January 2025, Neymar earns approximately £32,500 per week – a far cry from his reported £80 million annual salary at Saudi club Al Hilal. His current contract expires in December 2025, with his market value estimated at around €12 million.
This potential inheritance would dwarf even Neymar’s impressive career earnings. Despite being ranked 25th in Forbes’ 2025 list of highest-paid athletes with an estimated net worth of $350 million, a $1 billion windfall would represent a significant boost to his already substantial wealth.
The Legal Reality
Neymar’s representatives have confirmed they haven’t received any official notification about the inheritance. Legal experts note that if validated in court, this would represent one of the largest personal gifts ever made to a professional athlete outside their sporting contracts.
The story has taken Brazil by storm, with many questioning whether this is:
- A genuine act of admiration from a lonely billionaire
- An elaborate publicity stunt
- A heartfelt tribute to Neymar’s impact beyond football
Not the First Time
Remarkably, this isn’t an isolated incident. In 2023, another Brazilian fan selected Neymar as a beneficiary in their will, citing similar reasons and appreciation for the star’s family values. This pattern suggests Neymar’s public persona resonates deeply with certain admirers.
Celebrity Inheritance Precedents
While unusual, celebrity inheritances from strangers aren’t entirely unprecedented:
- Fans have previously left estates to film stars
- Some athletes have received unexpected bequests from admirers
- However, the $1 billion figure makes this case extraordinary
The Human Story Behind the Headlines
Beyond the staggering sum, this story reveals something profound about human connection in the digital age. A businessman facing health challenges found solace and inspiration in a footballer’s public journey, leading him to make the ultimate gesture of appreciation.
The unnamed benefactor’s words paint a picture of someone who saw in Neymar not just a football star, but a reflection of his own values and struggles. Whether Neymar will accept this unexpected windfall – or if it will even materialize – remains to be seen.
The Bottom Line
A 31-year-old Brazilian businessman has named Neymar as the sole heir to his $1 billion fortune, citing emotional connection and admiration despite never meeting the football star. The will was officially registered in June 2025, though Neymar’s representatives haven’t received official notification.
As this extraordinary tale unfolds, it serves as a reminder that sports stars’ influence extends far beyond the pitch, touching lives and inspiring connections in the most unexpected ways. Whether this billion-dollar mystery will have a happy ending remains one of football’s most intriguing subplots.
For more fascinating football stories and breaking news, explore our comprehensive coverage at TechnoSports. Stay updated with official football news at FIFA and Santos FC for the latest developments in this remarkable story.