Neymar to inherit £846M fortune from billionaire he never met

Local media reports claim the businessman chose to leave his assets to the Santos star because he ’identifies with [him] on a personal level.’ There was said to be admiration from the deceased for Neymar’s family bonds, particularly the relationship he shares with his own father, which felt familiar to the man’s connection with his parent.

Brazilian courts now need to provide clearance before Neymar is acknowledged as the businessman’s heir. Legal complications could quickly arise, and the 33-year-old has yet to comment on the prospect of receiving the fortune.

Having enjoyed the lucrative life of being one of the best footballers on the planet, Neymar is not someone short of cash. But that is particularly true following his disappointing spell in Saudi Arabia.

When Neymar joined Al Hilal in 2023, his salary was said to be £2.5 million-a-week, but his contract included other lavish perks despite his vast income. The star was provided with a 25-room house, which included a swimming pool, three saunas, and five full-time workers.

That was not all, as he also received a private jet and three luxury cars, while his entourage was given four Mercedes G Wagons and a Mercedes van. Neymar also had access to his own driver 24/7.

Neymar’s wages have been cut back after he decided to return to Santos, his first club. The 128-cap international signed an initial six-month deal that is said to have included a base salary of £135,507 (R$1 million) per month.

The £32,500-per-week figure is said to mirror his agreement from his first stint at Santos between 2010 and 2013. But there was a key difference which may have proven lucrative.

That deal was said to be complemented by the player keeping up to 90 percent of his image rights. That could have boosted his earnings up to £819,433 (R$6 million) per month.

Neymar has extended his stay in Brazil, with 12 months until the 2026 World Cup. In a statement posted on the club’s website, he said: "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 fulfill the dreams that are missing in my career.

"And nothing will stop me. I go, I come back, and I stay. Where it all began and where it will never end."