'It's normal he's feeling that way... he's still young, I think he can play the next World Cup': Brazil legend Ronaldo believes Neymar will continue his international career, despite doubts over his future after Qatar heartache
- Ronaldo said Neymar can still play a vital role for Brazil in the years to come
- The forward raised doubts about his international career after quarter-final loss
- The 2002 winner believes Neymar can still be key for Brazil when he's 34 in 2026
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Ronaldo believes Neymar still has a vital role to play on the international stage, despite the star raising doubts about his continued role with Brazil.
Neymar came out after Brazil's shock World Cup quarter-final loss to Croatia to say that he did not know if he would play for the national team again.
The PSG superstar will be 34 by the time that the 2026 World Cup rolls around, but Brazil legend Ronaldo believes that he will be a key component of their charge then.
![Neymar has raised doubts about whether he will appear for Brazil again after their elimination](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/12/16/65502853-0-image-a-35_1670862399550.jpg)
Neymar has raised doubts about whether he will appear for Brazil again after their elimination
![Ronaldo believes that Neymar will be a key component of Brazil's run at World Cup 2026](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/12/16/65502865-0-image-m-37_1670862433792.jpg)
Ronaldo believes that Neymar will be a key component of Brazil's run at World Cup 2026
Ronaldo told AP: '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.
'He's still young... I think he can play the next World Cup.'
Neymar tied Pele's record for goals scored representing Brazil against international opponents during Friday's World Cup exit.
The 46-year-old former Inter Milan and Real Madrid striker hailed Neymar for his dedication to the national cause in the build-up to the tournament in Qatar.
![Neymar tied one of Pele's many international records in their match against Croatia on Friday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/12/16/65502851-0-image-m-39_1670862485833.jpg)
Neymar tied one of Pele's many international records in their match against Croatia on Friday
His time at the World Cup was also wrecked with an ankle injury in the opening game, which caused the 30-year-old to sit out their remaining group stage games.
'I'm very happy that he showed the world a commitment for the last six months, for the Brazil national team,' Ronaldo said. 'He behaved himself. He took care of himself. And he played a good match, the first match. He got a very strong tackle on his ankle.
'He made a huge sacrifice to play again for the national team. He played very good in the last match. I think he's very important for us. So I hope that [he] gets well soon and back strong in the football world with PSG and the Brazil national team.'
![Ronaldo, who was part of Brazil's victorious World Cup team in 2002, hailed Neymar's work](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/12/16/65502859-0-image-a-40_1670862539821.jpg)
Ronaldo, who was part of Brazil's victorious World Cup team in 2002, hailed Neymar's work
He also added to speculation on who will take over Tite's role as Brazil manager after he stepped down following the World Cup, saying he would 'love' to see someone like Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti or Jose Mourinho - but stressed 'I'm not the one who chooses, so we will see what's gonna happen in the next days'.
Brazil are now looking ahead to the 2024 Copa America tournament, and also will be keen to put on a strong performance in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held across North America. Ronaldo was part of the last Brazil side to win the World Cup in 2002.
Neymar could feature in PSG's return to competitive action when they host Strasbourg in Ligue 1 on December 28.
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