Neymar's Growing Popularity and Endorsements

Currently the world’s most expensive football player, Neymar da Silva Santos Junior is starting to emerge as the face of the new generation of football talent.  Paris Saint-Germain solidified this belief, paying the largest transfer fee in football history at £198m in 2017 to FC Barcelona for the Brazilian.  As evident by the record-smashing transfer fee for the footballer, his name has started to be thrown around with the same status as players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.  Neymar has an over 200 million social media following that has been growing around 2 million every month.  Various companies are aware of the value and status that Neymar has created.  This article will look at some of Neymar’s largest endorsement deals, as the football star has around 40 endorsements across 26 different industries.

Nike

           

It wouldn't be right to talk about Neymar’s sponsors without mentioning the relationship between Nike and Neymar.  In an ongoing attempt to break into the European football market, Nike signed Neymar to an 11-year sponsorship deal in March 2011.  Although the official number has yet to be released, Nike is known for their lucrative athlete sponsorships.  Neymar receives various incentives from Nike to win certain awards like the Ballon d’Or and compete in various tournaments like the World Cup.  Neymar’s biggest payday would come from winning the Ballon d’Or, where Nike would pay him $1 million dollars.  Each time Neymar wins the award, his bonus from Nike will increase by $1 million.  Nike considers Neymar a serious investment because of his popularity.  Being Brazilian, Neymar is extremely popular in South America, as well as Europe because of where he plays.  Nike understands the following he has, even making a custom pair of Air Jordan shoes for him.

Source: http://sportsbiztrends.com/neymar-sponsors-neymarketing/

Gillette

In 2015, Neymar was confirmed as Gillette’s new brand ambassador for Latin America.  Gillette is estimated to have given Neymar over $15 million dollars since joining forces with the shaving company.  When asked about his involvement with the company, Neymar responded that, “Gillette is a brand that is known for its precision and always looks for the best, something that I look for in my game.”  Neymar is also known throughout the football world for his unique style and fashion.  Gillette has been able to utilize this side of Neymar to make the most out of their sponsorship.

Source: http://sportsbiztrends.com/neymar-sponsors-neymarketing/

Beats by Dre

Beats have always been known for their association with various musicians and artists.  However, the brand has over the years started to partner with various sports icons, including Neymar.  According to Sportcal, Beats has been associated with a total of 19 clubs, organizations, and players.  Neymar is predicted to be earning between $5m to $8m per year for Beats to be his official headphone sponsor. 

Source: http://sportsbiztrends.com/neymar-sponsors-neymarketing/

Because of Neymar’s popularity, many companies have been paying the Brazilian millions of dollars to rep their brand.  What kind of company do you think will be next?  Do you think Neymar has the status to start working towards American endorsements?

Sources:
https://aksharit.org/2018/06/27/neymar-brand-endorsements-list/
http://www.sportbible.com/football/news-details-of-neymars-contract-with-nike-have-been-revealed-20180303
http://www.espn.com/soccer/blog/soccer-transfers/3/post/2915603/most-expensive-transfers-of-all-time-neymar-mbappe-pogba-ronaldo-and-more
https://www.verdict.co.uk/neymar-net-worth-sponsorships/
https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/here-s-how-much-nike-will-pay-neymar-for-winning-the-balloon-d-o-27285
http://sportsbiztrends.com/neymar-sponsors-neymarketing/