Neymar, the money machine

Barcelona has coughed up a king's ransom to sign Neymar. Although the exact fee has not been disclosed, the total will certainly exceed €50 million, which would seem an awful lot to pay for a guy whose Santos contract was set to expire within just a year's time.

However, on this occasion, the money looks to be well spent. On the pitch, Neymar is a massive talent who looks set to become one of the top players on the planet in the not-too-distant future. If he continues to progress at the present rate, within a few years he will be on a par with Cristiano or Messi.

But that's not all. The Brazilian is also a sure-fire investment off the pitch. There can be no doubt as to his commercial appeal, as evidenced by the numerous brands that are queuing up to endorse him. Just yesterday he added a new name to his portfolio, with sweets company Mentos clambering aboard the Neymar gravy train and looking to cash in with the high-profile Confederations Cup on the horizon.

Counting Mentos, over a dozen brands now use Neymar's image to sell their products. From banks to cars, sportswear and drinks, no area is immune to falling under the charismatic Brazilian's spell.

Neymar is currently the fifth-highest earning footballer in the world, behind only such heavyweights as David Beckham, Leo Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Samuel Eto'o. It is a safe bet that, however much the 'Azulgranas' have invested in him, at least some of the money surrounding the starlet will indirectly boomerang back to line the Barça coffers.