NEYMAR is set to buy his own £7million private island off the coast of Brazil, according to reports.
The Saudi-based forward, who has been linked with a sensational return to former club Barcelona, is said to be closing in on a deal to snap up Japao Private Island.
The six-acre tropical hideaway is located off the port town of Angra dos Reis in southwest Rio de Janeiro state.
It is situated in a bay that is home to more than 365 islands, and boasts its own incredible beach.
While its grounds feature a main Indonesian-style villa with two master suites and a koi fish pond and three sea-view bungalows.
Its Canadian owner is said to have sparked Neymar’s interest after slashing the asking price by more than £3million to get a quick sale.
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Brazilian journalist Leo Dias reported overnight that the footballer and well-known Dubai property investor Sheik Muhammad Binghatti have paid more than £40,000 to rent the island later this month in a “test drive” operation.
Celebs who have stayed on the island in the past have included Neymar’s ex Bruna Marquezine.
The luxury hideaway, which can accommodate up to 10 guests, can only be reached by boat or helicopter.
The chopper ride from Rio de Janeiro’s International Airport takes around 35 minutes.
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The official island website describes it as being “a world of its own”, adding: “In an archipelago of 365 islands, we’ve mastered the art of standing out while blending in.”
One recent visitor said in an online review: “The sweeping views of the ocean and the mystical landscape of the island make this an incredibly special place to find some solitude.”
Neymar already owns a six-bed mansion featuring its own helipad, gym, tennis court and jetty – situated an hour’s drive east of Angra dos Reis in the Green Coast paradise resort of Mangaratiba.
The mansion is built on a two-and-a-half acre plot in an upmarket gated estate called Portobello and as well as the helipad and jetty, boasts a sauna, massage room, spa and heated jacuzzi – along with an underground cellar with space for 3,000 bottles of wine.
Brazilian putlet Em Off reported in December 2021 that the footballer had splashed out more than £2.5million to buy a glass-fronted palace on a private gated residential estate in an area called Alphaville near Sao Paulo.
It was described at the time as a seven-bed property with its own squash court, massive swimming pool, panoramic lift between floors and enough space in the garage for 20 cars.
Neymar, 32, signed a two-year contract at Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal in August last year after six years with Paris Saint-Germain.
Reports earlier this week claimed that Barcelona are considering a shock move for their former forward – if they miss out on signing Manchester City star Erling Haaland first.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
