How Neymar inherited $1billion from a man he never knew

Brazilian superstar Neymar may have landed one of the most unusual windfalls in football history, a massive £846million ($1.11billion) fortune left to him by a billionaire he never met.

According to Brazilian outlet RIC, the unnamed businessman, believed to have been from Porto Alegre, formalised his will on June 12 with two witnesses present. The will, now awaiting clearance from Brazilian courts, shockingly named Neymar as the sole heir to his vast estate.

The billionaire, who was reportedly childless and single, is said to have identified deeply with Neymar on a personal level.

Local reports suggest he admired the player’s strong family ties, especially his relationship with his father, Neymar Sr., which reminded him of his own late dad.

Neymar, 33, has not publicly commented on the reports. But if approved, the fortune would instantly rank among the most bizarre inheritances in sports.

The Brazilian winger, who returned to his boyhood club Santos in January after an injury-hit spell with Saudi side Al-Hilal, has been trying to rebuild his career ahead of the next World Cup.

In his first stint at Santos between 2009 and 2013, Neymar scored 136 goals in 225 appearances before moving to Europe. Since returning, he has already added three more goals in 14 matches.

In June, Neymar renewed his contract with Santos, declaring: “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 fulfil the dreams that are missing in my career.”