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Forget Stocks: Invest in Soccer

Brazilian companies bank on young talent

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 19, 2008 8:59 AM CDT

(Newser) – The hottest new commodity in Brazil is its soccer stars, and investors are taking note. Companies like Traffic are buying up the contracts of the next wave of potential Ronaldinhos and then lending their acquisitions out to poor but visible Brazilian teams. When European leagues come knocking with huge offers, the investors then cash in, explains the New York Times.

Despite 150% returns, there are obstacles. FIFA doesn't allow third-party involvement in player transfers, and fans don't like the idea that their beloved players will be shipped off the moment their talent begins to blossom. But businesses like Traffic have found loopholes in FIFA regulations, and argue that small-town teams would be trading breakout players anyway.

Brazil's Sao Paulo's Breno, left, went to German team Bayern Munich for $19 million, with a big chunk of that money going to the company that owned his contract.
Brazil's Sao Paulo's Breno, left, went to German team Bayern Munich for $19 million, with a big chunk of that money going to the company that owned his contract.   (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano)
Brazilian soccer player Diego of German first division club SV Werder Bremen runs in northern Germany. With more Brazilian players like him getting big contracts, investors are taking notice.
Brazilian soccer player Diego of German first division club SV Werder Bremen runs in northern Germany. With more Brazilian players like him getting big contracts, investors are taking notice.   (AP Photo/Focke Strangmann)
Ecuador's Vicente Ambrossi, left, fights for the ball with Brazil's Fluminense's Dodo during the Copa Libertadores final soccer match in Rio de Janeiro, Wednesday, July 2 , 2008.
Ecuador's Vicente Ambrossi, left, fights for the ball with Brazil's Fluminense's Dodo during the Copa Libertadores final soccer match in Rio de Janeiro, Wednesday, July 2 , 2008.   (AP Photo/Ricardo Moraes)
Brazil's Fluminense's Gabriel practices during a training session in Rio de Janeiro, Tuesday, July 1, 2008. More international clubs are setting their sights on Brazilian players.
Brazil's Fluminense's Gabriel practices during a training session in Rio de Janeiro, Tuesday, July 1, 2008. More international clubs are setting their sights on Brazilian players.   (AP Photo/Ricardo Moraes)
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