The practice of using training arrivals as an ideal occasion to display one’s wealth has a long history in the world of professional sports. Antoine Walker, a former NBA player for the Boston Celtics, made headlines once when he showed off his money by driving his Ferrari to a workout. The competitive Michael Jordan, a real sporting legend, wasn’t a fan of this approach. Jordan, known for his never-ending pursuit of excellence, replied by surpassing Walker, showing up for the following week’s sessions in a different Ferrari each day while donning matching Jumpman sweatsuits. It was a typical case of two basketball giants competing against one another.
In a slightly more contemporary setting, Neymar Jr., the sensation at Paris Saint-Germain, pulls off a training arrival that would even get Michael Jordan’s approval. Neymar joined the Brazil national squad for the Copa America competition in 2019, following his recovery from a metatarsal injury that sidelined him for three months of the 2018–19 season. Neymar made a striking arrival by flying onto the Granja Comary sports facility in Teresopolis, Brazil, in a magnificent Mercedes-Benz Airbus H-145 helicopter rather than choosing one of his many supercars or a chauffeured transport.
The 13.64 meter long and 3.95 meter high Mercedes-Benz Airbus H-145 helicopter, with a top speed of 150 MPH (241 km/h), is a technological marvel. It has a Mercedes-designed, particularly outfitted VIP lounge that can hold up to 11 people. With a slick midnight black paint job and Batman emblems on the inside seating, Neymar’s customized helicopter is the height of luxury. Batman is the football star’s favorite superhero.
It’s interesting to note that Neymar Jr.’s love of Batman extends beyond the interior of his chopper; he also has a conspicuous tattoo of the Joker next to what appears to be Spider-Man from the Andrew Garfield period. He chose to include these enduring individuals in his high-flying lifestyle because of his admiration for them.
In addition to his eye-catching Mercedes-Benz helicopter, which apparently cost him a cool €13 million (AU$20.3 million), Neymar Jr. has also adopted the jet-setting lifestyle with his own Embraer Legacy 450 private aircraft, which is said to cost €12.2 million (U$19.1 million). Professional players have made owning such ostentatious vehicles a sign of success and status, and Neymar Jr. clearly enjoys the chance to travel the world in style.
Neymar Jr.’s opulent helicopter and private plane are undeniable signs of his superstar status in a world where sportsmen’ wealth are frequently as astounding as their athletic accomplishments. While some may consider these extravagant displays of riches to be showy, for these athletes, they serve as a physical reminder of their hard-won accomplishment and a monument to the heights of their individual careers. As they continue to showcase their larger-than-life personas and enthusiastically embrace the trappings of fame, the desire to make a grand entrance extends beyond the playing field.