Neymar, the 34-year-old Brazil superstar, has spent $23 million (£17m) on a luxury yacht just days after his country’s World Cup exit and his own retirement from international football. The converted cargo vessel, named ‘Enejota’ – a play on the Portuguese pronunciation of NJ, his initials – arrived in Angra dos Reis in Rio de Janeiro state on Monday. Designed by Fernando De Almeida, the yacht is more than 46 metres long, boasts an 800 square metre ‘usable area’, and is powered by four caterpillar engines each delivering 1,450 horse power.
The purchase follows Brazil’s round-of-16 defeat to Norway, where Neymar scored his 80th and final international goal – a consolation penalty. After the match, he told Globo: “I tried, I tried. Now, it’s over. I started here; I finished here.” He was referring to the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he made his senior debut against the United States in 2010 and ended his Selecao career 16 years later. His departure leaves manager Carlo Ancelotti to rebuild after a painful early exit triggered by Erling Haaland’s brace. “What I say is that we continue to do our jobs and look for new ideas,” Ancelotti said. “It’s the same thing we did this year.”
“Brazil star Neymar bought a £17m yacht just after his World Cup elimination and announced retirement.”
Neymar joins a club of footballers known for extravagant yacht purchases – David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo both own multi-million-pound vessels. For Neymar, the £17m indulgence marks a poignant full stop on a career that spanned 16 years and 80 goals for Brazil.