Boluwatife Kehinde
In a landmark move linking two generations of Brazilian football greatness, Neymar Santos Jr. has taken ownership of Pelé’s iconic brand.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by NR Sports, the company owned by Neymar’s father, confirming that they had secured the rights from the previous holder.
Neymar Santos Sr., who leads NR Sports, revealed the acquisition during an event at the Pelé Museum in Santos the coastal city made famous by the football icon.
“We are proud to reach this milestone,” said Santos Sr. “It’s an incredibly powerful brand. Our goal is to strengthen its identity and connect it with the present.”
While the financial details of the deal remain confidential due to agreements with former rights-holder Sport 10, Brazilian media outlets estimate the transaction at around $18 million.
Pelé, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento and widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, led Brazil to World Cup triumphs in 1958, 1962, and 1970.
Though the football legend passed away in December 2022, his daughter Flavia attended the ceremony celebrating the brand’s transfer.
“There are no words to express the emotion of reclaiming a brand that represents his essence his humanity and love. It’s priceless… as his daughter, I am honored and overjoyed,” she told AFP.
NR Sports described the acquisition as a “repatriation” of “one of the most significant symbols in the history of global sport.”
The company added that the move marks “a crucial step toward preserving, expanding, and enriching the legacy of the King of Football.”
Neymar Jr. acquires rights to Pelé’s iconic brand in landmark deal
