Neymar Jr. acquires rights to Pelé’s iconic brand in landmark deal

‎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.”