Brazilian football just entered a new era. Pelé — the most iconic name the sport has ever produced — now has his entire brand, likeness, and historical archive under new ownership: NR Sports, the company run by Neymar Jr.’s father, Neymar da Silva Santos.

Since Pelé’s passing in 2022, his brand had been used only sparingly. This acquisition aims to revive it, modernize it and bring “O Rei” back into the global commercial spotlight.

The Deal: What Neymar’s Family Now Owns

Sources close to NR Sports reveal the purchase closed for around $18 million USD, though the official amount has not been confirmed.
The package includes:

• Full rights to Pelé’s name and image

• Licensing for commercial products and partnerships

• Control of Pelé’s historical archives and legacy materials

Essentially, Neymar’s family now controls one of the most powerful global brands in football history.

November 19: A Symbolic Announcement

The acquisition will be formally unveiled on November 19, marking the anniversary of Pelé’s legendary 1,000th career goal at the Maracanã.
The timing is no coincidence — it’s a tribute, a marketing move, and a cultural statement all at once.

Why This Matters

This deal positions Neymar’s family as major players off the pitch too, expanding their influence into global sports business.

It also deepens the connection between Neymar and Pelé — two Santos FC icons whose legacies have often been compared. Neymar recently returned to Santos, further tightening the symbolic bond.

And with Neymar pushing for a comeback ahead of the 2026 World Cup hosted by Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, the timing couldn’t be more strategic.

What’s Next

NR Sports plans to expand Pelé’s brand worldwide, revitalizing everything from merchandise to media projects. Expect new campaigns, modern licensing deals, and collaborations designed to introduce Pelé to a new generation.

The King may be gone — but with this move, his legacy is about to reign louder than ever.