BRAZIL icon Ronaldo believes Neymar will play at the 2026 World Cup.
The five-time champions were stunned by Croatia in the quarter-finals on Friday as they crashed out on penalties.
It means Neymar’s quest for the World Cup goes on – with the Paris Saint-Germain forward set to be 34 years old come the next tournament in Canada, Mexico and USA.
But Ronaldo, who lifted the World Cup with his country in 1994 and most famously in 2002, backs Neymar to be there in four years for another crack at winning Brazil’s sixth title.
Speaking to AP, he said: “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, but I’m also sure that he will come back stronger and continue playing with the national team.”
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Neymar suffered an ankle injury in their opening game against Serbia at the World Cup.
He then missed the clashes with Switzerland and Cameroon, before returning for the 4-1 win over South Korea in the last-16.
The former Barcelona man then produced a stunning goal to give Brazil the lead in extra time against Croatia – before they conceded late on and lost on penalties.
Yet despite their devastating exit, Ronaldo admires Neymar’s dedication to his country.
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“I’m very happy that he showed the world a commitment for the last six months, for the Brazil national team,” he added.
“He behaved himself. He took care of himself. And he played a good match, the first match. He got a very strong tackle on his ankle.
“He made a huge sacrifice to play again for the national team. He played very good in the last match. I think he’s very important for us.
“So I hope that [he] gets well soon and back strong in the football world with PSG and the Brazil national team.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
