"He can play the next World Cup" - Ronaldo Nazario backs Neymar to come back stronger after Brazil's elimination in Qatar
Brazil icon Ronaldo Nazario has said that Neymar could play at the next FIFA World Cup after the side's demoralising exit from this year's tournament.
Neymar, 30, was part of the Selecao side that exited the competition in the quarterfinals following a shock quarterfinal defeat to Croatia on penalties.
The Paris Saint-Germain attacker scored the opener in the 105+1st minute of extra time. However, the Vatreni hit back through Bruno Petkovic to take the game to penalties.
The former Barcelona frontman didn't get the opportunity to take a spot-kick as Brazil crashed out following 4-2 shootout defeat. Questions soon arose over the future of Neymar, who was inconsolable on the pitch.
Before the FIFA World Cup, he had hinted that it could be his final appearance at the tournament. However, he claimed that it was too early to decide his international future in the immediate aftermath of Brazil's exit. Neymar said:
“It’s too early to say that. I’ve no clear ideas yet — I can’t guarantee anything.”
However, 2002 FIFA World Cup winner Ronaldo Nazario reckons the former Barcelona forward can continue into the 2026 tournament. The Real Madrid legend began by touching on Neymar's current low mood, telling AP:
"I think Neymar is very upset with the result of the World Cup for the Brazil national team. It's normal that he's feeling that way for now."
Ronaldo added that the Brazil winger could play at the next World Cup in the USA:
"I'm also sure that he will come back stronger and continue playing with the national team. He's still young. ... I think he can play the next World Cup.”
Give us one more World Cup, please @neymarjr https://t.co/YeismZ7axd
The PSG frontman impressed during his campaign in Qatar, making three appearances, scoring two goals and providing an assist. However, many criticised the former Barcelona forward for not taking a penalty in the shootout defeat to Croatia.
Neymar's Brazil teammate Casemiro on painful FIFA World Cup loss to Croatia
Casemiro was a standout performer for Tite's side in Qatar and took a spotkick in the loss to the Vatreni. He smashed the ball past Dominik Livakovic, but it was not enough as the Selecao crashed out.
The defensive midfielder made four appearances, scoring one goal - a phenomenal half-volley in the 1-0 win over Switzerland in Group G.
🔜🇭🇷🆚🇧🇷 https://t.co/ae9AVvfiNn
The Manchester United midfielder posted an Instagram reacting to his team's elimination. He said:
"It’s been almost three days, but the pain lingers."
Casemiro added:
“I wanted to make this post with a cooler head and a better understanding of what happened, but it’s still hard to understand because of the way we went out. By far, this was the defeat that brought me the most pain in my entire career."
Having won their record fifth FIFA World Cup in 2002, Brazil's wait for a sixth continues.