From football legend to surprise TV cameo: when Neymar appeared in Money Heist, the internet exploded. Why did the Brazilian superstar step into the world of La Casa de Papel? In this article, DaoKick takes you behind the scenes — revealing the true motives, the creative context, controversies, and what that brief role meant for both Neymar’s image and the show’s fans.
Neymar’s Secret Dream
Acting was long viewed by many as a distant side-project. Yet, he had often expressed a fascination with cinema, television, and storytelling beyond the pitch. The leap from football superstar to a cameo in Money Heist wasn’t random — it combined personal passion with high-profile branding.
In public statements, Neymar called his cameo a “dream fulfilled,” noting that Money Heist was one of his favorite series. After a police investigation in Brazil dropped a rape allegation against him, Netflix re-edited two episodes to insert his scenes — making his appearance official.
The scenes were filmed before the streaming release but held back amid controversy. Once his legal matters cleared, Netflix released a version including Neymar’s extra footage.
So essentially: the cameo was always intended, but timing and reputation concerns delayed its debut.
What Role Did Neymar Play? The Character João
In Money Heist Season 3, Neymar takes on the small but curious role of João, a monk. He appears in two episodes — Episode 6 and Episode 8 — speaking with key characters such as Berlin and The Professor.
João is ironic in tone: he declares he dislikes football and partying, which is a playful nod to Neymar’s real-life persona (known for both). He also invokes prayers for Brazil’s national team at the World Cup, tying his fictional character to his identity as a Brazilian icon.
Though João does not play a major plot-driving part in the heist plan, his cameo adds a surreal, meta flavor — blending celebrity cameo, self-ironies, and fanservice.
Behind The Scenes: Why Neymar’s Scenes Were Initially Cut
Though the scenes were shot, they were not included in the initial July release of Season 3. The reason? A legal battle overshadowing his public image.
In 2019, Neymar faced sexual assault allegations made by a Brazilian model. During the pendency of that case, Netflix chose to excise his scenes rather than risk backlash or legal exposure.
Later, when prosecutors in São Paulo shelved the case (citing lack of evidence and prior relation), a path cleared. Within days, Netflix reinserted Neymar’s parts into the episodes, officially confirming his appearance., Netflix acknowledged the scenes were withheld pending developments in Neymar’s legal status.
Thus, the cameo was always intended — but held in limbo until legal clouds dissipated.
Why Neymar Accepted That Cameo
Why would one of the world’s highest-paid footballers agree to a brief TV appearance? Several compelling factors converged:
1. Personal passion & fan status
Neymar had repeatedly expressed admiration for La Casa de Papel. For a fan to become part of his favorite show is a dream move — emotionally meaningful beyond commercial logic.
2. Brand diversification & image building
Even at the peak of his football career, diversifying into entertainment enhances long-term market value. A cameo offers a subtle but high-impact extension of his public persona.
3. Creative connection & favor from creators
Reports say the show’s creator, Álex Pina, is a fan of Neymar and tailored a small part specifically for him. That personal connection is powerful.
4. Redemption and narrative control
Having his scenes held back because of legal reasons — then reinstated — allowed Neymar to reclaim part of the narrative. The cameo becomes a statement that he remained relevant, visible, and part of a major cultural moment.
Hence, Neymar’s acceptance was both emotional and strategic.
Reception, Memes & Fan Reactions
The response was swift and polarizing. Many fans didn’t even notice João’s arrival in their first viewing — Reddit and forums exploded with comments like “Did you see Neymar in Money Heist?”
Some praised the cheeky lines and meta humor (“I don’t like football nor partying”), others criticized the idea of blending football celebrity with a serious crime drama.
Memes flourished: fans photoshopped Neymar into scenes, joked about João as a “celebrity monk,” or speculated he’d secretly mastermind a heist with a football twist. The crossover made Money Heist buzz even louder in Brazil and football-crazy nations.
From the show’s perspective, João’s insertion was minor — not reshaping plotlines — but it added novelty, press coverage, and capitalized on celebrity crossovers.
How This Fits Into Celebrity Cameos Trend
Neymar’s cameo aligns with a growing trend of celebrities crossing into scripted roles — especially in high-profile series. The advantages:
- It boosts publicity for both the show and the celebrity.
- It creates moments of viral surprise and social media chatter.
- It taps into audiences’ desire to see stars out of their element.
Other athletes, musicians, or influencers have made cameos in dramas, but Neymar’s case is notable because he is globally famous and participated in a show not directly about sports.
The cameo doesn’t shift Money Heist’s identity, but it underscores how modern media ecosystems favor cross-domain stunts and layered narratives.
Did Neymar Ever Act Beyond That Cameo?
Yes, though sparingly. Neymar has dipped into acting before — for example, he made an appearance in XXX: Return of Xander Cage.
However, acting is not (yet) his main trajectory; his football career remains dominant. Still, the Money Heist cameo could be a signal: a test, a marketing win, or a bridge to future film/series work if he so chooses.
Conclusion
Why Neymar acted in Money Heist — because it was part fan fulfillment, part branding strategy, and part a bold moment of control over his public image. Quiet scenes filmed months earlier waited on legal clearance; once the path cleared, Neymar stepped in as João, the ironic monk in La Casa de Papel. It was a cameo charged with symbolism: football meets fiction, fame meets narrative, risk meets legacy.
Now that you know why Neymar acted in Money Heist, consider diving into those specific episodes to spot subtle winks to his real life. If you like, DaoKick can also guide you on other athletes’ surprise TV appearances, or list every football cameo in cinema history. Just say the word.
