Neymar to change citizenship? Unexpected details emerge
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
Neymar has found himself at the center of a fresh media storm following reports that the Brazilian forward has allegedly obtained Italian citizenship. The news spread rapidly across global media outlets and social networks, fueling intense speculation about the star's future ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Initially, journalist Nicolo Schira reported that Neymar had completed all the necessary procedures and received an Italian passport with the assistance of lawyer Emiliano Nitti. This immediately led to a flurry of theories regarding the possible motivations behind the footballer's decision.
However, new information soon surfaced casting doubt on the original claims. According to Corriere della Sera, Neymar's visit to the Italian Consulate General in São Paulo was not for his own paperwork, but rather to address citizenship matters for his children.
It is reported that the footballer's partner, Bruna Biancardi, holds dual citizenship—Brazilian and Italian. Under Italian law, children of Italian citizens are eligible for citizenship regardless of their place of birth, so arranging documents for the couple's daughters is considered a standard procedure.
It's also worth noting that Neymar has represented the Brazil national team at the official level for many years, which means he is not eligible to play for another national side, even if he were to acquire a second passport.
