Billionaire dies, leaves fortune to Neymar (net worth: R20bn), who he’s never met
Tasleem Gierdien
5 September 2025 | 11:05What would you do if someone you've never met left you billions after they died?
FILE: Hilal's Brazilian forward #10 Neymar warms up ahead of the AFC Champions League group B football match between UAE's Al-Ain and Saudi's Al-Hilal at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in al-Ain on 21 October 2024. Picture: AFP
Brazilian football star Neymar da Silva Santos has reportedly been named the sole beneficiary of a billionaire's fortune. He has never met the wealthy benefactor.
A 31-year-old businessman from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, left all his assets to Neymar in his will, which was officially registered with a notary and witnessed in Porto Alegre in June.
The man, who had no spouse or children, is said to have deeply admired Neymar, particularly the footballer’s close relationship with his father, which reminded him of his own bond with his late father.
According to local media, the billionaire’s estate, worth a substantial but undisclosed amount, is now set to be transferred to Neymar, pending review and confirmation by Brazilian courts. Authorities are currently examining the will to verify Neymar’s acceptance and any formal steps required to execute the inheritance.
Neymar, whose net worth is already estimated at over 6.2 billion Brazilian reais (approximately R20 billion), is among the world’s wealthiest athletes, and he may soon become even richer thanks to this unexpected legacy.