Brazilian football star Neymar has donated USD 250,000 to support emergency rescue and humanitarian relief efforts in earthquake-hit Venezuela, according to Venezuelan news outlet El Sumario.com. The funds will be used to provide immediate assistance, including food, drinking water, medical supplies, and temporary shelters for affected populations.
Neymar Expresses Solidarity with Venezuelan People
“My heart goes out to the people of Venezuela,” Neymar said as quoted by El Sumario.com, expressing his hope that the contribution would bring strength and relief to affected families. The donation comes amid a devastating humanitarian crisis triggered by twin earthquakes that struck the country on Wednesday.
Death Toll and Damage: At Least 1,430 Killed
According to CNN, citing an update from Venezuela’s National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, at least 1,430 people have died, 3,238 have been injured, and 3,142 families have been displaced after losing their homes. The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, have caused widespread destruction.
Rescue Operations Hampered by Aftershocks and Equipment Shortage
Rescue teams continue to search for survivors as the critical rescue window narrows. Operations are being hindered by a shortage of heavy equipment and persistent aftershocks. Since the twin earthquakes struck, the country has experienced multiple aftershocks and smaller tremors, complicating ongoing rescue and relief efforts.
Neymar’s Recovery Progress: Ancelotti Confirms Fitness Improvement
Meanwhile, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has said that Neymar has made significant progress in his recovery and is now capable of playing for longer periods. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Ancelotti noted that the 34-year-old forward’s fitness has improved considerably over the past week. Neymar, who missed the first two games of the FIFA World Cup, came off the bench in Brazil’s 3-0 victory against Scotland.
“In the last week, his progress has been significant,” Ancelotti told reporters, as quoted by Reuters. “Unfortunately, he could not play longer than 15 minutes before, but he is now doing well enough to play more.”
Brazil’s Group Stage Dominance Continues
Brazil’s first-place finish in Group C extended their remarkable record of topping their World Cup group for a 12th consecutive tournament. The five-time champions have finished first in their group at every World Cup since 1982, maintaining an extraordinary 44-year streak of group-stage dominance.
