Ronaldo Nazario Fiercely Defends Neymar From Brazilians Who Celebrated His Injury at the World Cup

• Brazil legend Ronaldo has come to the defence of injured Neymar, who has been heavily criticised by his country's people for his involvement in politics
• Some have even celebrated Neymar's injury against Serbia which has not gone down well with Ronaldo
• The PSG star sustained an ankle injury against Serbia in Brazil's first match in the 2022 World Cup and is set to miss their next two matches

Brazil icon Ronaldo has sent a strong message to the critics of Neymar back home in Brazil as he continues to recover from an ankle injury sustained against Serbia in the 2022 World Cup.

Neymar, Brazil's best player, is hoping to be their driving force in their quest to win their first World Cup trophy in 20 years.

Neymar's public support of Brazil's presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro before Lula da Silva defeated him has led some fans to enjoy his suffering.

Neymar plays mind games with Messi as Brazilian jokes about winning World Cup final against PSG teammate

Football

According to ESPN, Neymar has always been a divisive figure, and his recent foray into politics has done him no favours with his vocal support for far-right candidate Bolsonaro.

The PSG star even promised to dedicate his goal to Bolsonaro, a decision that saw many Brazilians turn against him. His injury has made matters worse for the 30-year-old.

Ronaldo supports Neymar

2002 World Cup winner with Brazil, Ronaldo Nazario, has ripped into those who've celebrated Neymar's injury. The winger has been ruled out of Brazil's game against Switzerland and possibly the next fixture against Cameroon.

"There will always be people rooting against you, but it is sad to see society on a path of trivializing intolerance, of normalizing hate speech. It is against this verbal violence with destructive power that I write to you today: come back stronger! Smarter! Hungry for goals!" according to Khaleej Times.

Canada's World Cup squad: Find out the full roster of team Canada in Qatar

Football

Neymar hobbled off in the 80th minute of Brazil's 2-0 win against Serbia on Thursday with a lateral ligament injury to his right ankle. Photos of his swollen ankle went viral on social media a few days later.

Neymar's swollen ankle

Sports Brief earlier reported on Neymar sharing photos of his injured ankle and sending an inspirational message to his teammates.

Neymar's World Cup journey with Brazil has always been punctuated with injuries, missing the 2014 semi-final with a fractured back.

Nikola Milenkovic was responsible for Neymar's injury, leaving the forward covering his face in anguish as he received treatment.

The star forward has scored 75 goals for the national team and is just two goals shy of Pele's record of 77, which has him as Brazil's all-time top.