The deal was unveiled during APOS 2026 in Bali and includes the licensing of Neymar’s digital likeness to star in a slate of original stories produced by FlareFlow
Microdrama platform FlareFlow has announced a partnership with Brazilian soccer star Neymar Jr. to develop a franchise of 16 AI-powered microdramas, combining the rapid growth of vertical storytelling with the global appeal of sports and emerging AI-driven production technologies.
The deal was unveiled during APOS 2026 in Bali and includes the licensing of Neymar’s digital likeness to star in a slate of original stories produced by FlareFlow, a platform owned by COL Group International.
According to the company, the content will blend live-action production and artificial intelligence technologies to create narratives centered around a digital version of Neymar. The first titles are set to debut this month, with the remaining installments rolling out throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup season.
The initiative represents one of the most ambitious moves to date at the intersection of global celebrity IP, short-form storytelling and AI-powered content creation, a sector that has seen significant growth over the past two years, particularly across Asia and the United States.
“This collaboration combines Neymar’s global commercial appeal with AI-driven creative workflows to push the boundaries of premium mobile entertainment,” said James Wang, CEO of FlareFlow.
Timothy Oh, General Manager of COL Group International, described the project as part of the company’s “Vertical 2.0” strategy, which aims to expand the reach of microdramas into new entertainment categories while capitalizing on major global events such as the FIFA World Cup.
The partnership also highlights the increasing maturation of the microdrama business. What began as a segment largely associated with low-budget mobile productions has rapidly evolved into a sophisticated ecosystem fueled by recognized intellectual property, international talent and advanced production technologies.
FlareFlow has emerged as one of the most active players in the space. The company recently outlined plans to produce approximately 180 original series in 2026 while continuing its international expansion, reflecting the growing demand for vertically formatted content among mobile-first audiences.
With Neymar joining its roster, the platform is now seeking to extend that momentum into the sports sector, exploring new ways to monetize global celebrity brands through narrative experiences specifically designed for digital consumption.
