Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario has urged Neymar not to rush into any decisions about retiring from international football following the Selecao's exit from the World Cup.
In the wake of Brazil's round-of-16 exit to Norway, Neymar said that his international career spanning across 16 years was over.
The 34-year-old was included in Carlo Ancelotti's 26-man squad for the tournament and made two substitute appearances, netting a penalty against Norway.
Neymar became only the second Brazil player to score in four different World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026) after Pele, and retires as a legend for his nation.
He is Brazil's all-time leading scorer, having netted 80 goals, while only Cafu (142) made more appearances for the Selecao than the former Barcelona star (130).
But Ronaldo has stepped in to offer counsel to Neymar, insisting that the heat of a tournament exit is no time to make life-changing decisions about his future with Brazil.
"Don't demand anything from yourself and don't decide anything now, you don't need to," Ronaldo said in an interview with Rede Ronaldo and TNT Sports Brasil.
"Nobody needs to resolve anything right now."
Ronaldo also highlighted the immense physical effort Neymar put in just to be present at the tournament in North America.
Before the World Cup, Neymar had not played for his nation since October 2023 due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
Neymar had struggled with injury in the build-up to the World Cup, but did enough with boyhood club Santos to earn a spot in Ancelotti's squad.
"He will return to his club, he will play again. We cannot forget that he is coming off two years of serious injury," Ronaldo added.
"He arrived as a sacrifice for this World Cup. He will get the rhythm again. He will play 10, 15 games in a row. He will get back to scoring goals, he will regain his confidence."
And while the next World Cup will be played when Neymar is 38, Ronaldo has backed the Brazil stalwart to play some part should he steer clear of injuries.
"In a little while he'll be excited again and who knows, maybe Ancelotti will see him as an option for the Brazilian national team," the 2002 World Cup winner said.
"He has the technical condition. Now, he needs to be physically well so he can be decisive."
poediklmru
0
Selina you are a fool
Ponbcdklt
0
legend voice...dat a code get well keep fit
Germ1985
1
I love his fútbol and style, but enough is enough he needs to retire
Wiebmnopty
0
is the RONALDO alright or did him has mental illness
yes I think he has. idiot
Wiebmnopty
0
whatyhis problem? to do what after 4 years. couldn't do no shit 26 you are thinking of 2030.
pieeimpr
0
Why can Brazil not develop another Neymar or has the talent run dry in the country🤔
A young generation is coming thru with Estevao, Endrick and Breno Bidon
Nezaensuz
1
Just retired and play Pokers and hookerssss Neymar
vutdipruy
0
You doing today goofy modes
vutdipruy
0
Sorry Fine
waters1982
0
is the RONALDO alright or did him has mental illness
vutdipruy
1
his body can't keep up anymore so he should retire because his already done enough for them so it's time to leave it to the next generation
Moses aomoas
sizdiknstz
1
brasil should forget about Neymar
ChoolweTwambo
0
his body can't keep up anymore so he should retire because his already done enough for them so it's time to leave it to the next generation
Bepcdertuz
1
টর
dacblnorsu
2
what was his contribution to this world cup, not to talk of 4 years time, nonsense
SAH7
1
lol still think?? he's finished completely imo he should also take retirement from club football
Thinslice
0
If he continues then Brazil must find a better coach
true, I support what you have just said.
Vuailntuyz
0
Neymar is a finished product. Let him start acting in movies
DARKWORLD
0
Not a bad idea but Neymar had his chances plus Neymar and Vini cannot coexist in one team.
laobckouz
0
If he continues then Brazil must find a better coach
Ancelotti is clueless
vomabklnou
1
What is he gonna do, this finished guy
Kris12
3
Let him give chance to young one. Brazil could have gone far if Pedro was selected
Yawadmnruy
0
If he continues then Brazil must find a better coach
what nonsense is this?
diwbkpyz
0
Why can Brazil not develop another Neymar or has the talent run dry in the country🤔
Estavao is there
diwbkpyz
1
Time to give the young ones chance
Fudgie876
0
Why can Brazil not develop another Neymar or has the talent run dry in the country🤔
lukadilmos
2
Neymar should be left to retire, he is rendering a deservice to the national team now
bodabckopu
2
38 yr old Neymar at world cup ??? he'll need 4 yrs of discipline. 2 yrs recovery, 1 yrs training 1 yr back on field
Koaaeikotz
0
Neymar should go and rest
Wocbnopry
2
this news should not reach Christiano Ronaldo... he will die in Portugal Jersey 😉
laobckouz
4
If he continues then Brazil must find a better coach