A 31-year-old businessman from Porto Alegre has left the Brazilian football world astounded after naming Neymar Jr. as the sole heir to his entire estate—valued at approximately R$6.1 billion (around USD 1 billion).

The will was officially registered on June 12, 2025, and notably, the businessman has no personal or professional ties to the football star.

Admiration with No Strings Attached

According to GZH, the businessman cited deep admiration and emotional connection as the reasons behind this extraordinary gesture.

“I like Neymar, I identify with him a lot,” he said, adding that the player embodies values he finds rare in today’s world, and is particularly inspired by Neymar’s close relationship with his father.

No Official Contact Yet

Representatives for Neymar have confirmed that, despite the will, they have not received any formal notification about the inheritance.

A Tale of Devotion or Solitude?

The revelation has sparked widespread discussion across Brazil. While some see the move as a touching tribute to Neymar’s influence beyond football, others question whether it reflects the loneliness of a wealthy man searching for connection.

Online Reactions

The news has quickly gone viral, triggering strong opinions online. One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote: “This is crazy. Neymar already makes millions every year — why not leave the money to charity instead?”

READ MORE: Brazil can survive without Neymar, says Dunga

Another supporter countered: “People don’t understand. When someone impacts your life deeply, you want to show it. For this man, Neymar represents hope and resilience.”

Some were sceptical: “1 billion dollars for a multimillionaire footballer? Between emotional madness and disguised money laundering, something feels off,” posted @NUMBi.

Others celebrated Neymar’s reach: “This proves Neymar’s influence is bigger than football. His story inspires people he doesn’t even know personally,” wrote @FalazDgreat.

The contrast in responses highlights both Neymar’s global appeal and the unease surrounding such an unprecedented gesture.

Why It Matters

This isn’t the first time fandom has spilled into estate planning. In 2023, another Brazilian admirer also named Neymar as the beneficiary of his will, citing shared struggles and admiration for the star’s family values.

That case made international headlines in outlets such as Forbes, Hola! and The Economic Times, showing how Neymar’s brand extends beyond sport into personal identity and cultural resonance.

With the latest development, Neymar once again finds himself at the centre of a story that blends celebrity influence, human connection, and questions of legacy.