Neymar Junior is so much more than just a football player. He is a media icon and several companies have invested heavily in him. He represents the image not just of the 2014 World Cup Brazil, but also of eleven companies who have their sights set on world brand recognition thanks to sponsorship deals with the Brazilian star.

Whilst on the one hand fans of the Brazil squad have placed their trust firmly in the Barça player to lead them to their sixth World Cup win; on the other, a whole host of investors are banking on his celebrity status to rake in the millions via advertising campaigns.

His popularity in the media is such that according to figures released by his management company (NR Sports Group), only 8 percent of Neymar's total earnings are directly related to playing football. The other 92 percent are generated by sponsorship deals. In fact, it is said that he has more sponsors than the rest of the Brazil squad put together.

Neymar is the face of various products in several different markets around the world. These sponsorship deals provide him with a nice little earner of around €35 million per year.