Yuvraj Singh Praises Neymar's Legendary Career
Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh has paid a heartfelt tribute to Brazil's star footballer Neymar Jr. after the latter announced his retirement from international football. The decision came following Brazil's 2-1 defeat to Norway in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 on Sunday at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Yuvraj, in an Instagram story, congratulated Neymar on what he described as 'a legendary international career,' calling him 'an absolute entertainer and a true champion.' He praised Neymar's rare, unteachable talent that captivated fans from his debut to his final World Cup goal.
Brazil's World Cup Exit and Neymar's Final Goal
Brazil, five-time world champions, were knocked out after Norway forward Erling Haaland scored twice late in the match to secure a historic quarter-final berth for his nation. Neymar did get on the scoresheet, converting a stoppage-time penalty, but it was only a consolation goal.
According to reports, Brazil dominated much of the contest and had an ideal chance to take the lead after Kristoffer Ajer was penalised for a foul on Matheus Cunha inside the area. However, Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland brilliantly denied Bruno Guimaraes from the penalty spot to keep the scores level. Carlo Ancelotti's side continued to press after the break, but Nyland repeatedly frustrated the Brazilian attack before Norway seized control late in the contest.
Haaland's Heroics and Neymar's Legacy
Substitute Andreas Schjelderup changed the momentum after coming on and delivered a pinpoint cross in the 79th minute for Haaland to head Norway in front. Moments later, the prolific striker struck again, calmly firing a left-footed finish beyond Alisson Becker to double the advantage. Neymar converted a stoppage-time penalty after Leo Ostigard was penalised for a foul on Casemiro, but it proved only a consolation as Brazil crashed out.
Neymar ends his international career as Brazil's all-time top scorer with 80 goals in 130 matches. Notably, his final goal came at the same stadium where he made his debut in 2010. The victory extended Norway's unbeaten record against Brazil to five matches and secured a historic place in the quarter-finals, where Stale Solbakken's side will face either Mexico or England. Haaland's two goals also took him to seven for the tournament, drawing level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.
Yuvraj's Tribute: 'Absolute Entertainer and True Champion'
In his Instagram story, Yuvraj wrote: 'As an athlete, you just know when someone has that rare, unteachable magic. From your debut to your final World Cup goal, you kept us all glued to the screen. Congratulations on a legendary international career, Neymar an absolute entertainer and a true champion!'
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