Brazilian Football Legend Neymar Jr Returns to PokerStars 

Online poker giant PokerStars has a habit of revamping its Team of Ambassadors. Last year, the brand witnessed an exodus of brand ambassadors – all of the superstars – and this included six-time WSOP bracelet winner Daniel Negreanu, who parted ways with the brand after a 12-year-long partnership. However, the company seems to be ending 2020 on a high note by renewing its partnership with globally-renowned football star Neymar Jr.

Neymar, the fourth highest-paid athlete in the world in 2020 (according to Forbes magazine), has re-joined PokerStars as their sporting ambassador and sounded very excited to be back under the banner of the Red Spade.

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Speaking about the renewal of the partnership, the Paris St. Germain forward said, “When I’m not playing football, I love playing cards. Competing with my friends is a huge passion of mine. I love the sense of community, the fun, and the unpredictable moments that can occur in any game. As a true poker fan, I am excited to start a new chapter with PokerStars. Together we’ll be creating moments for our community and fans all over the world.”

After the departure of several accomplished pros such as Felipe Ramos, Vanessa Selbst, Jason Mercier, and even the brand’s longest-tenured sponsored player Bertrand “ElkY” Grospellier, PokerStars was looking to take on newer marketing goals, which called for a revamped team of pros.

As a part of the brand’s changing strategy, superstar athletes, like Neymar, Rafael Nadal, and Cristiano Ronaldo, whose fans number in the tens of millions at least, became spokesmen for PokerStars. Even Olympian Usain Bolt and actor Kevin Hart were signed on by the poker giant.

At present, Team Red Spade comprises Chris Moneymaker, André Akkari, Celina Lin, Muskan Sethi, Ramón Colillas, Jennifer Shahade, and Kalidou Sow. The Online Pro team consists of Lex Veldhuis, Ben Spragg, Fintan Hand, Mikhail Shalamov, Felix Schneiders, Arlie Shaban, and OP Poker. Mason Hughes represents the virtual reality domain.

In his first sting with PokerStars, Neymar was signed on by the brand in 2015. He represented PokerStars for two years before parting ways in 2017. This is the first time that PokerStars has re-signed an ambassador after the initial partnership lapsed.

It is not immediately clear what role Neymar will take—the operator did not identify Neymar as a brand ambassador—but it was stated that he was a “perfect fit for PokerStars” who would “bring his flair and personality to the online and live tables, as well as to the PokerStars community across the world.”

For now, what we know is that Neymar has returned to front a new advertising campaign for PokerStars, amid a total refresh of the online poker brand. Starring in a new film as part of PokerStars’ ‘All In’ campaign, the film shows the 28-year-old inviting players into his inner circle, declaring he is ‘IN.’

Martin Nieri, Global Director of Brand and Creative at PokerStars, said: “Neymar Jr is a true global superstar. But what underpins this partnership is his genuine love for poker. It’s about a shared passion for the game and the beautiful uncertainty at the heart of it. At PokerStars, we are constantly trying new things to bring new energy, excitement, and entertainment to our customers. Together with Neymar Jr, we believe we can take this to the next level for the PokerStars community.”

This is only the start of the journey for this ‘ultimate poker pair,’ with more to be revealed in 2021.