Waldhof Mannheim Overview

The footballing world stood still as Neymar announced his international retirement in the aftermath of Brazil’s shock exit from the 2026 World Cup. However, the legendary forward’s father has since taken to social media to issue a moving plea, begging his son to reconsider hanging up his boots for good.

The inquest into Brazil's disastrous World Cup exit is well underway after the five-time winners were unceremoniously dumped out of the tournament at the hands of dark horses Norway and the goals of Erling Haaland. In truth, the Selecao never really got going in North America - hamstrung by an ageing, rag-tag squad that was yet to gel as they often relied on Vinicius Jr to deliver the goods.

Germany legend Lothar Matthaus has admitted he's glad to see Brazil eliminated from the World Cup, accusing Neymar of putting his own ego above the team's success during their last-16 exit against Norway.

Brazil international Juliano Belletti has fiercely defended the legacy of Ronaldinho, claiming that modern icon Neymar merely executed what the 2002 World Cup winner originally invented. Speaking in the wake of the Seleção's emotional 2026 World Cup exit, the former Barcelona defender dismantled long-standing myths surrounding Ronaldinho's work ethic while explaining his foundational influence on the nation's all-time leading scorer.