Neymar’s dream, and with it that of a million Brazilian fans around the world, was shattered on Friday after the Seleçãos lost to Croatia in a quarter-final on penalties. Neymar even hinted that he may not wear the Brazil shirt again after an embarrassing defeat to Croatia. The 30-year-old, who put Brazil ahead in extra time of their quarter-final in Doha with a brilliant individual effort, was distraught after Croatia triumphed on penalties. Speaking to reporters, his voice trembling with emotion, he admitted he couldn’t “100 percent guarantee” he would be seen in the famous yellow shirt again.
After the match, Neymar wrote an emotional note saying the loss “devastated him psychologically”.
“I was psychologically destroyed. This was definitely the defeat that hurt me the most, which left me paralyzed for 10 minutes and then immediately started crying non-stop. It will hurt for a very long time unfortunately. We fought to the end”, Neymar wrote in the post on instagram.
“I’m proud of my teammates because there was no lack of effort and dedication. This group deserved it, we deserved it, BRAZIL deserved it… But this was not the will of GOD! It was worth every sacrifice.” feel the affection of everyone from the field… Thank you all for supporting our national team. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out… it’s going to hurt for a very, very long time. Thank you for everything my GOD, you gave me everything so I can’t complain. Thank you for watching over me. All honor and glory are always yours, no matter what the circumstances.”
Neymar, who has played 124 caps for Brazil, will be 34 by the time the next World Cup takes place in North America in 2026. That is still younger than many big names in Qatar, from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to Luka Modric and Olivier Giroud.
But Brazil’s frail number 10 hinted last year he would not appear at another World Cup, suggesting in an interview that he may not have the mental strength “to put up with any more football”.
Neymar has carried a nation’s hopes into three World Cups since emerging as a generational talent at Santos.
He has scored eight World Cup goals, but the tournament has exposed his fragile physique and fragile emotions.
With AFP inputs
Featured video of the day
Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the semi-finals of the World Cup
Topics mentioned in this article