Neymar's father becomes Santos executive director

Neymar's father appointed Santos executive director until end of 2026, overseeing football, marketing and youth development.

Neymar da Silva Santos, the father of Neymar Jr., has been appointed executive director of Santos, a position he will hold formally until the end of 2026. The Brazilian club announced the appointment on Friday.

In his new corporate role, Neymar's father will collaborate with Santos' central management, participate in administration, and oversee key departments including football, marketing, and new business divisions. He will also chair the Instituto Meninos da Vila, the club's youth talent detection and recruitment programme.

The position had been vacant since May 2025 when Pedro Martins departed. Neymar's father will serve until December, when elections will be held to determine leadership for the 2027–2029 term, with current president Marcelo Teixeira seeking re-election. Since his son's return to Santos in January 2025, Neymar's father has been highly active at the club through NR Sports, helping to remodel stadium facilities, resolve FIFA transfer ban issues, and facilitate Philippe Coutinho's recent signing.