The global brand of late Brazilian football legend Pelé has been acquired by NR Sports, the company owned by Neymar Santos Sr, father and manager of football star Neymar Jr.
Neymar Sr announced the acquisition on Tuesday during an event at the Pelé Museum in Santos, the city forever linked with Pelé’s iconic career.
“We are proud to reach this milestone,” he said, describing Pelé’s name as “a very strong brand” with lasting global influence. “We want to enhance its identity and bring it into the present.”
Although the full terms of the deal remain confidential, Brazilian media reported an estimated value of around USD 18 million. The rights were previously held by U.S.-based Sport 10.
Pelé, widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, won three FIFA World Cups for Brazil in 1958, 1962, and 1970. Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, he died in December 2022, yet his legacy continues to inspire admiration worldwide.
His daughter, Flavia, attended the ceremony and expressed deep emotion over the transfer of the brand. “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 told AFP.
NR Sports described the acquisition as the “repatriation” of one of global sport’s greatest symbols, saying the move will help preserve and expand Pelé’s legacy for future generations.
