Cancelo defends Ronaldo and Neymar from criticism at the World Cup
Portuguese full-back João Cancelo has come to the defence of two of the biggest names in world football: Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. Speaking during the World Cup, the defender firmly hit back at the criticism surrounding the two stars at the tournament and got straight to the point – anyone questioning their legacy doesn’t understand football.
A legacy beyond debate
“I don’t think Neymar or Cristiano need to prove anything to anyone,” Cancelo said. “Their talent and what they’ve achieved in football speak for themselves. All this talk is just noise. Both of them know who they are and what they mean to their countries.”
The context of his remarks is clear. Ronaldo faced questions after Portugal drew 1-1 with the Democratic Republic of Congo – a modest result for a side with ambitions. Neymar, meanwhile, became a target for criticism again after missing Brazil’s first two group-stage rounds due to a calf injury, reigniting the debate over his inclusion in the squad.
Numbers that silence the doubters
Cancelo’s words are not just a teammate’s loyalty. They are backed by facts. Ronaldo became, alongside Lionel Messi, one of the only players in history to feature in six different World Cups. He is also the all-time top scorer in men’s international football, with 143 goals since his debut in 2003.
On the other side, Neymar leads Brazil’s all-time scoring charts with 79 goals in 128 appearances. The forward has not played for Brazil since October 2023, when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee – a long absence that has fuelled doubts about his current physical condition.
Brazil and Portugal with everything to play for
Beyond the controversy surrounding the two stars, both sides need to win to secure top spot in their respective groups. Portugal face Uzbekistan on Tuesday before closing out the group stage against Colombia. Brazil, for their part, take on Scotland on Wednesday to finish Group C.
Curiously, Scotland defender Jack Hendry said he has no fear of facing Neymar. “I’m quite relaxed about playing against him and I’m looking forward to it, it’ll be a good battle,” said the defender, who has already faced the number 10 in the Champions League, when the opponent’s attacking trio featured Messi, Mbappé and Neymar himself. Carlo Ancelotti, the Brazil coach, confirmed the forward has recovered and is fit to play.
The World Cup goes on, the criticism persists. But Cancelo made his point: some careers no longer need an outside verdict.
