Ronaldo Nazário believes Brazil national football team star Neymar Jr can play at the next FIFA World Cup.
Neymar and Brazil had World Cup heartbreak when Croatia knocked them out of Qatar World Cup 2022 in the quarter-finals. Brazil went into the latest edition of FIFA’s flagship as one of the favourites to win the coveted trophy at the end of the month-long tournament in Qatar.
Brazil sealed their place in the round-of-16 after finishing top of the points table in Group G. The South American heavyweights then dismantled South Korea 4-1 in the round-of-16 to secure passage to the quarter-finals.
However, Brazil, who have won the FIFA World Cup title a record five times, failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals. In the quarter-final, they took on Croatia, who defeated them in the penalty shootout after the two sides remained locked in a draw at the end of extra time.
Neymar Can Play at Next FIFA World Cup, Says Ronaldo Nazario
It was a disappointing end for Neymar and Brazil at FIFA World Cup 2022. There has already been suggestions Neymar may not feature in another edition of the FIFA World Cup.
Neymar turned 30 earlier this year and will be 34 by the time the next World Cup kicks off. And Ronaldo believes his compatriot can play at the next World Cup.
“I think Neymar is very upset with the result of the World Cup for the Brazil national team,” Ronaldo told AP [via GOAL].
“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. He’s still young… I think he can play the next World Cup,” Ronaldo added.
Meanwhile, Neymar scored two goals for Brazil at FIFA World Cup 2022. His first goal for Brazil at Qatar 2022 came in their 4-1 thrashing of South Korea. Neymar converted a penalty in that game.
The Paris Saint-Germain superstar also scored for Brazil against Croatia in the quarter-final clash. It was Neymar who opened the scoring in the game. He initiated the move that led to the goal – playing two one-twos – before rounding off the goalkeeper and sending the ball to an empty net.
However, Croatia clawed their way back into the game and scored to force a penalty shootout, where the European nation edged Brazil out.
