The Huge Sum Neymar Made Just One Hour After Brazil World Cup Selection
- Neymar is set for his fourth World Cup after returning to Brazil’s squad following a lengthy absence
- The Brazilian star reportedly secured a huge financial boost within an hour of his call-up through several major commercial partnerships
- Neymar also enjoyed a huge surge on social media as attention around his World Cup return spread rapidly
After a long wait filled with uncertainty, Carlo Ancelotti finally confirmed that Neymar will play at his fourth World Cup and return to the Brazil national football team after nearly three years away from international call-ups due to physical issues.
However, the announcement brought more than just footballing joy.
Less than an hour after his name appeared on Brazil’s World Cup squad list, the Santos star reportedly had another reason to celebrate after earning $6 million.
Source: Getty Images
The fortune Neymar earned
A World Cup call-up instantly attracts global attention and turns the social media accounts of star players into hugely valuable advertising platforms. Neymar, one of football’s most recognisable names, benefited immediately.
Thanks to his profile and global influence, three major brands reportedly moved quickly to capitalise on the attention surrounding his return and partnered with the Brazilian forward.
According to journalist Jorge Nicola via his YouTube channel, just 30 minutes after his call-up was confirmed, Neymar posted three collaborative videos with Mercado Livre, PUMA and Red Bull.
Source: Getty Images
Each partnership reportedly earned Neymar $2 million, bringing his total to $6 million within a single hour.
Each campaign used a different angle:
With Mercado Livre, Neymar addressed one of the biggest questions surrounding him in recent months:
"Neymar will give his all for Brazil like never before — what about you?"
Shortly afterward, he appeared in a Puma video tearing apart a piece of paper claiming he would miss Brazil’s final squad.
He then featured in a Red Bull clip celebrating his fourth World Cup appearance by kicking four footballs - one representing each appearance - before signing the final ball.
Other companies also quickly joined in. Brands including Loovi and Canção Alimentos released promotional and humorous content designed to take advantage of the viral attention surrounding Neymar’s return.
The impact extended to social media as well.
Neymar reportedly gained over 1.1 million followers on Instagram, making him the Brazilian player with the largest digital growth in the squad.
According to El Economista, he also became the third most-followed athlete on Instagram worldwide, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Now, Neymar turns his full attention toward helping Brazil win another World Cup title - something the nation has not achieved since 2002 when the Canarinha secured their fifth world crown.
Can Brazil win another World Cup?
Brazil head into the tournament drawn in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland.
The Seleção begin their World Cup campaign against Morocco on Saturday, June 13 at MetLife Stadium.
They then face Haiti on Friday, June 19 at Soldier Field before taking on Scotland on Wednesday, June 24 at Hard Rock Stadium.
On paper, they are expected to progress, but as always with the Seleção, expectation and pressure travel together.
For Ancelotti’s side, the mission in North America is simple: restore Brazil’s dominance on the world stage.
The Italian tactician would hope to guide Brazil to a record-extending sixth trophy.
Neymar's six-month Santos contract
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported on Neymar’s six-month contract extension with Santos, highlighting the Brazilian superstar’s reasoning for opting for a short-term deal.
The 33-year-old forward, who began his illustrious football journey with Santos, expressed his deep personal ties to the club.
Source: YEN.com.gh
