image: Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Neymar (right) Credits: Getty Images
Neymar Jr. & Cristiano Ronaldo were left in tears after Brazil and Portugal were dumped out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Both Erling Haaland and Mikel Merino ruthlessly retired these greats.
Neymar in the elite “Pele class”
Brazil’s Round of 16 exit marked the end of Neymar’s 16-year international career. His consolation goal against Norway cemented his legacy as Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer. By scoring this penalty, he joined the legendary Pele as the only Brazilian men to score in four separate World Cup tournaments.
The former Barcelona star retires with a 130 caps and 80 goals for the Selecao, eclipsing Pele who scored 77 official international goals in 92 appearances.
Despite mesmeric moments for the five-time champions across four tournament appearances, Neymar has never kissed a World Cup trophy.
Image: FIFA World Cup 2026: From Neymar’s farewell to Ronaldo’s final WC, football witnesses end of an era, credits: (Photo/IMAGES via Reuters)
Rolls-Royce Ronaldo Retires
Like Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo played his final World Cup match in the Round of 16.
The Real Madrid legend leaves the global stage as the first player to score in six different World Cups. He exits with 26 tournament appearances and 11 goals.
One of football’s most inspiring stories has finished without ever touching football’s biggest prize. This was confirmed in Dallas when Mikel Merino scored an injury-time goal for Spain.
The 41-year-old five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s closest attempt to winning the World Cup was in Germany 2006. Portugal reached the semi-finals in that edition.
Ronaldo and Neymar Jnr. Join the list of all-time titans who painfully never won the ultimate prize.
Their impact in this era will never be forgotten. Thank you for the memories.
