Neymar Joins South Florida’s Elite with $26M Bal Harbour Purchase

Brazilian soccer icon Neymar (Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior), has expanded his footprint to South Florida, acquiring a $26 million waterfront plot in Bal Harbour. The purchase marks a significant step into Miami’s luxury real estate scene for the global superstar, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal and Brazil's national team.

The 0.6-acre lot, located at 148 Bal Bay Drive in the prestigious, guard-gated community, offers approximately 150 feet of waterfrontage. Formerly owned by Bent Philipson, an elder care investor and founder of Philosophy Care, the property previously featured a house that has since been demolished.

Philipson and his wife purchased the land in 2020 for $9.3 million, making Neymar's acquisition a profitable sale.

Sources confirmed that Neymar plans to build a home on the vacant lot, which comes with approved designs for a 13,000-square-foot mansion created by London-based design firm Elicyon. The Wall Street Journal first reported the purchase, which closed at the end of October 2024. The property was listed for $28.5 million by Douglas Elliman agents Ruthie and Ethan Assouline, though Neymar managed to secure it for $26 million.

Privacy and Luxury

Bento Queiroz of Compass, who represented the buyer, highlighted the privacy, security, and size of the property as key factors in the purchase. “The buyer said, ‘It’s exactly what I’m looking for,’” Queiroz told The Wall Street Journal, adding that the deal came together quickly once the opportunity was identified.

Bal Harbour has become a magnet for high-profile buyers, with recent transactions including David Arison’s $23 million waterfront home purchase.

The area boasts an average home value of nearly $2 million, though waterfront properties like Neymar’s command significantly higher prices.

A Strategic Move?

While Neymar's move to South Florida is primarily a lifestyle decision, speculation abounds about his potential transfer to Inter Miami, owned by David Beckham. Saudi journalist Tariq Al Nofal recently reported that Neymar's contract with Al Hilal could soon be sold to the Miami-based Major League Soccer team, bringing him closer to his new Bal Harbour residence.

With this purchase, Neymar joins a growing list of celebrities and elite athletes investing in Miami’s upscale real estate market, further cementing South Florida as a playground for the world’s rich and famous.

By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Neymar Jr.