Is Neymar the Unexpected Beneficiary of a $1 Billion Inheritance?

A bizarre inheritance story has captured the attention of media outlets both in Brazil and beyond, claiming that a 31-year-old businessman from Rio Grande do Sul left his entire fortune, reportedly worth $1 billion, to soccer star Neymar. While the details surrounding the will are intriguing, the reality is clouded with uncertainty and speculation.

Origins of the Inheritance Rumor

The unusual tale traces back to June 12, 2023, when a Porto Alegre businessman registered a will designating Neymar as his sole heir. The Colégio Notarial do Brasil (Notary Association) in Rio Grande do Sul confirmed the authenticity of the document, with local media outlets such as GaúchaZH reporting on it. Although the businessman wishes to remain anonymous, he was described as a single individual in his early thirties with no children. Interestingly, no specific value was mentioned in the original will, only that he had legally willed “all his worldly possessions” to Neymar. Below is an image of the registered will:

The Businessman’s Reasons for Choosing Neymar

In interviews with the media outlet Metrópoles, the businessman explained his choice as stemming from deep admiration and an emotional connection to Neymar. He expressed relating to the player’s close ties with his father and felt that Neymar, often criticized by the public, embodied qualities of integrity and selflessness. Facing health challenges and lacking direct heirs, he deemed Neymar a trustworthy choice. He even attempted to reach out to Neymar’s team to clarify his intentions but was unsuccessful.

The Revival of the Story in 2025

For over two years, the story remained relatively obscure until it resurfaced in September 2025, when the Brazilian TV show “Melhor da Tarde” aired a segment about the will. This triggered a surge of interest from major media outlets like CNN Brasil and Veja, many of which sensationalized the narrative. Some broadcasted incorrect timelines, mistakenly referring to the will as a recent document from 2025 instead of its original registration in 2023. The allure of a billionaire inheritance captivated the public, transforming the curious story into a viral phenomenon.

The Speculated Billion-Dollar Fortune

This is where facts begin to diverge from speculation. The businessman has never disclosed his wealth publicly, and notary regulations keep such details under wraps. Still, columnist Léo Dias mentioned in 2023 that the individual stated his estate was valued around $1 billion USD (approximately R$5.4 billion). Various media outlets amplified this claim, sometimes confusing the inheritance with Neymar’s own financial assets, leading to a distorted narrative.

Fact-Checking and Current Reality

Here’s what is verifiably true about the situation:

• The will exists and lists Neymar as the heir.
• It was officially registered in Porto Alegre in June 2023.
• The businessman is alive, unmarried, and has no children.

However, many questions remain unaddressed:

• The actual identity of the businessman.
• The true value of his estate.
• Whether Neymar is aware of or has acknowledged the will.

Brazilian fact-checkers have labeled the $1 billion inheritance claim as unproven, reiterating that there is “no official record proving Neymar will receive that amount,” as reported by Tribuna de Minas.

Conclusion

So, did Neymar inherit $1 billion from a stranger? The answer is no, not yet. While an anonymous admirer did legally designate Neymar as his heir in 2023, the sensational billion-dollar figure that has permeated headlines is largely unverified and likely exaggerated. Until the businessman passes away or discloses further details about his finances, this narrative remains more folklore than verified fact.