Neymar Joins Furia Esports, Set to Lead Kings League Team
Football superstar Neymar Jr. has joined forces with Furia, Brazil's largest esports organization, taking on the presidency of their media football team for the upcoming Kings League season. This move follows his recent return to Santos FC after a stint with Al-Hilal.
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Neymar's Role in the Kings League
Neymar expressed his enthusiasm, highlighting his long-standing admiration 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 is assembling Furia's Kings League roster. The 7v7 tournament requires a 13-player squad, with 10 players selected by the president from a pool of 222 participants. The "president penalty" rule also allows Neymar to participate in matches.
Understanding the Kings League
The Kings League, co-founded by Gerard Piqué and streamer Ibai Llanos, is a unique tournament blending traditional sports and esports. Originating in Spain in 2022, it has expanded to Italy and Central America, hosting finals at prestigious venues like Camp Nou. The Brazilian edition, taking place in São Paulo from March to April, features prominent teams including Fluxo, Loud, and a team led by streamer Gaules. The draft and presentation will be live-streamed on February 24th. The league incorporates unique gameplay elements such as "double goal" bonuses and temporary player removals.
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Neymar's Deep-Rooted Connection with Furia
Neymar's support for Furia dates back to 2019, when they qualified for a CS:GO Major. He actively promoted their matches on social media, celebrating their victories. He even attempted to acquire a stake in the organization over several years before this official partnership.
Beyond Furia: Neymar's Esports Involvement
Neymar's passion for esports extends beyond his new role. He's played exhibition matches with Fallen, a prominent Brazilian esports figure, and socializes with s1mple, a Ukrainian star. His close friendship with Furia CEO Andre Akkari, a professional poker player, is also noteworthy, with Neymar frequently seeking Akkari's advice on poker strategy.
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With Neymar's leadership and established passion, Furia is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the growing world of media football and esports entertainment.
