Big changes await Santos! Neymar's father lands a key role at the club
Santos have made a striking decision behind the scenes! Neymar's father has moved from being an influential partner of the Brazilian club to taking an executive role, opening a new chapter in the relationship between the player's family and the team.
Details: On November 6, Brazilian outlet UOL reported that Neymar da Silva Santos, widely known as Neymar Sr., became the new chief executive officer of Santos after meeting club president Marcelo Teixeira. The paid appointment is expected to run until the end of 2026. He will focus on football operations and marketing, while Teixeira remains president.
The appointment does not mean that Neymar's family has purchased Santos. According to UOL, football executive Alexandre Mattos and marketing director Caio Lacerda will remain in their positions. Neymar Sr. is expected to work on professionalising management, attracting specialists and generating additional commercial revenue.
The businessman was already deeply involved with the club. Earlier this year, the Neymar family's company NR Sports paid about 12 million Brazilian reais to resolve a transfer ban linked to a debt owed to Monaco. In return, the company received rights to sell sponsorship placements on the Santos kit. The family has also supported infrastructure improvements at the club.
It's worth noting that Neymar Jr. returned to Santos in 2025 and renewed his playing contract until the end of 2026. The club faces presidential elections in December, making the future of the new management structure uncertain. The CEO role gives Neymar Sr. influence over day-to-day operations, not ownership of the institution.
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Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
