Neymar Calls Ronaldo a Legend After He Quits Playing for Portugal

(Neymar. Photo by Daily Post)
Brazil star Neymar has paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese forward announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, November 5.

In an online post, Neymar called Ronaldo a Lenda, which means legend in Portuguese.

He added clapping emojis to the post.

Ronaldo shared his decision in a long video on Instagram.

He said his 23 year international career with Portugal will end after the November international break.

Neymar also said he will give up the number seven shirt he has worn for the national team.

In his farewell message to the Portuguese people, Ronaldo said he never felt the shirt belonged to him alone.

He said he was lucky to wear it for 23 years, defending it and carrying it into stadiums around the world.

He admitted the decision was hard.

Some decisions are not made with the mind alone.

They are also made with the heart, he said.

Ronaldo leaves Portugal with 234 appearances and 146 goals, making him the most capped player and top scorer in men's international football.

He led Portugal to its first major trophy at Euro 2016.

The team also won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

Neymar and Ronaldo were rivals in Spain for four seasons.

Neymar played for Barcelona, while Ronaldo was at Real Madrid.

Neymar announced his own international retirement in July, after Brazil lost 2 1 to Norway in the World Cup round of 16.

Other football figures also paid tribute to Ronaldo.

The Premier League's official Instagram account and his former Portugal teammate Pepe sent messages after the announcement.