Neymar pays tribute to Ronaldo with one-word message

The Brazilian forward took to social media to share a single Portuguese word, "Lenda", which translates to "legend", capturing his respect for the veteran forward. Ronaldo announced his retirement on 5 November at the age of forty-one, concluding an international career that began in 2003.

Ronaldo finishes his national team career with a record two hundred thirty-four matches and one hundred forty-six goals for Portugal, holding the all-time records for most appearances and goals in men's international football.

Under his leadership as a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, Portugal secured three major international titles: the European Championship in 2016, along with UEFA Nations League victories in 2019 and 2025.

Although Neymar and Ronaldo were fierce rivals during their time in Spanish club football with Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively, mutual respect always remained between them. Neymar himself concluded his international career earlier this year as Brazil's all-time leading scorer, finishing with eighty goals in one hundred thirty appearances.