Brazil Legend Ronaldo Makes 2026 World Cup Prediction for Neymar

• Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario backs Neymar to bounce back and play at the 2026 World Cup
• Neymar and Brazil suffered a painful exit from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
• Ronaldo has said the PSG star will bounce back after the setback in Qatar

Iconic Brazil player Ronaldo Nazario has backed Neymar to bounce back stronger from the crushing defeat in the quarter-final of the 2022 World Cup.

Despite going out, Neymar's performance against Croatia was exceptional. He capped it with a sensational goal which saw him equal Pele's record of 77 goals for Brazil.

Neymar and Brazil were pre-tournament favourites and demonstrated why in their first game against Serbia. Nevertheless, Neymar was injured during that game forcing him to miss the rest of the group games.

His performance against Croatia was his best in Qatar but unfortunately, it wasn't enough to lift his side past the resolute Europeans. He now has 77 goals for Brazil, the same as Pele, per FIFA.

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Brazil was criticized for an underwhelming performance against Luke Modric-led Croatia whose midfield displayed their supreme technical abilities.

Ronaldo's message to Neymar

According to Eurosport, Ronaldo said he expects Neymar to lace up for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

“He's still young, 30 years old. I think he can play the next World Cup."

He feels Neymar will bounce back after he said he was psychologically destroyed after defeat.

"I think Neymar is very upset with the result of the World Cup for the Brazil national team. 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."

Neymar, 30, will be 34 during the 2026 World Cup and if he stays injury-free. Other factors may come into play like his mentality and ambition.

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Most of Brazil's players are young and will be at their peak four years from now.

Neymar speaks after Brazil's elimination

Sports Brief earlier reported on Neymar breaking his silence after Brazil's painful exit from the 2022 World Cup after losing to penalties to Croatia in the quarterfinal.

After digesting a truly horrible night for him and his country, he took to Instagram to describe what he feels after last night's events. He said it was the most painful defeat of his career.

"I'm psychologically destroyed. This was certainly the defeat that hurt me the most, which made me p@ralyzed for 10 minutes and right after I fell into non-stop crying. It's gonna hurt for a loooong time, unfortunately. We fought until the end."