The global brand of Brazilian football legend Pelé has been acquired by the family of another of the nation’s biggest stars, Neymar Jr, in a major business move led by NR Sports, the company owned by Neymar Santos Sr.
Neymar Sr announced the acquisition on Tuesday, November 25, during an event at the Pelé Museum in Santos — the coastal city forever linked with the late icon’s historic career.
“We are proud to reach this milestone,” he said, emphasizing that Pelé’s name remains “a very strong brand” with immense global value. “We want to enhance its identity and bring it into the present.”
Although the full financial details were not disclosed due to confidentiality agreements, Brazilian media reports estimate the deal at approximately USD 18 million. Before this acquisition, the rights were held by U.S.-based company Sport 10.
Pelé, regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, won three World Cups for Brazil in 1958, 1962, and 1970. Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, he passed away in December 2022, but his global influence remains profound.
His daughter, Flavia, attended the ceremony marking the transfer of rights and expressed her deep emotion at the milestone. “There are no words to describe the emotion of bringing back a brand that is the soul, humanity, and love. It’s priceless… as his daughter, I feel honoured and happy,” she said.
NR Sports described the acquisition as the “repatriation” of “one of the greatest symbols in the history of global sport,” noting that it represents an important step in preserving and expanding Pelé’s legacy for generations to come.
