Neymar Joins Furia Esports, Set to Lead Kings League Team
Football superstar Neymar Jr. has joined forces with Furia, Brazil's leading esports organization, as president of their media football team. This exciting development comes shortly after Neymar's return to Santos FC and positions him at the helm of Furia's entry into the Kings League, a unique esports tournament blending traditional sports and gaming.
Neymar's Role in the Kings League
Neymar expressed his enthusiasm for this new venture, highlighting his long-standing support for Furia: "Anyone who follows me knows how much I've backed Furia since day one. Whenever my schedule allows, I'll be working closely with the team." His primary responsibility will be assembling Furia's 7v7 Kings League roster from a pool of 222 players. The "president penalty" rule also allows for Neymar's potential on-field participation.
What is the Kings League?
Launched in 2022 by Gerard Piqué and streamer Ibai Llanos, the Kings League has rapidly expanded into Italy and Central America. The fast-paced 2x20-minute matches feature innovative gameplay elements like "double goal" bonuses and temporary player removals. The Brazilian edition, featuring prominent teams like Fluxo and Loud, will run from March to April in São Paulo. The draft and presentation event will be live-streamed on February 24th.
Neymar's Long-Standing Relationship with Furia
Neymar's support for Furia predates this official partnership. He's been a vocal fan since their 2019 CS:GO Major qualification, frequently sharing their highlights and cheering them on social media. He even previously attempted to acquire a stake in the organization.
Beyond Furia: Neymar's Esports Connections
Neymar's passion for esports extends beyond his involvement with Furia. He's played exhibition matches with renowned players like Fallen and s1mple, and maintains a close friendship with Furia CEO Andre Akkari, a professional poker player. Neymar often consults Akkari for poker strategy advice.
With Neymar's leadership and passion, Furia is poised to make a significant impact on the exciting intersection of media football and esports.