“He has developed into the CEO!” Neymar apparently paid for the lifting of Santos FC’s transfer ban out of his own pocket
Neymar's marketing company allegedly paid two million euros to lift Santos' FIFA transfer ban and make high-profile new signings possible.
Neymar has been out with a thigh injury since 2 September, when he suffered the problem in the second leg of the Brazilian Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras (0-0). The 34-year-old quickly turned his attention to the club's management instead.
Before Santos could sign new players, though, FIFA first had to lift a transfer ban. The sanction came from a legal dispute between Santos and AS Monaco over the transfer of Jean Lucas in July 2023, who is now under contract at Bahia.
AS Monaco demanded two million euros. When the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected Santos' appeal, FIFA imposed a ban covering three transfer windows on 1 July 2025.
Neymar company settled Santos' liabilities
According to media reports, NR Sports, the Neymar family's sports marketing company, stepped in at that point. The company settled the liabilities of the side sitting 13th in the table and, in return, secured advertising space on the shirts. Since then, the Pele brand acquired by NR Sports has been emblazoned on the black-and-white jerseys.
With the sanction lifted, Neymar brought trusted companions to Santos. The signings include former Gremio talent Arthur. The 30-year-old defensive midfielder failed to make the breakthrough in Europe at either Barcelona (2018-2020) or Juventus (from 2020). Arthur signed a short-term contract until December 2026.
Everton Cebolinha joined as well. The 30-year-old winger (25 international appearances) had recently stopped impressing at Flamengo after his move from Benfica in 2022. "I was close to signing in Russia, but the prospect of playing with Neymar was too tempting. I spoke to him and knew I had to go," the player explained.
Philippe Coutinho moved to Santos because of Neymar
Philippe Coutinho also agreed to sign. After Vasco da Gama terminated his contract in February, the 34-year-old former attacking player for Liverpool and Bayern Munich was on the verge of ending his career. The chance to play alongside Neymar again, after already appearing with him at the 2009 Under-17 World Cup and the 2022 World Cup, proved decisive in his decision to join.
On the pitch, the team are chasing a place in the Copa Sudamericana semi-finals after a 2-0 first-leg win against Atletico Mineiro. Bruno Lima from the portal UOL assesses the development as follows: "These new signings are still a long way from their peak level, but they will bring added value to the team. At the moment, the fans are not thinking about the financial consequences, because the bill still has to be paid. But the fans have rediscovered their ambition. They are beside themselves with excitement and love this Neymar, who has developed into a CEO!"
