‘Neymar does what Ronaldinho invented’ - Ex-Brazil international explains how 2002 World Cup winner inspired all-time leading goalscorer following emotional retirement

Juliano Belletti has defended Ronaldinho's legacy following Brazil's 2026 World Cup exit, claiming that Neymar merely executed what the 2002 World Cup winner originally invented. The former Barcelona defender offered unique insight into how the legendary playmaker influenced Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer.

Belletti insisted that Neymar's stylistic identity is a direct evolution of the foundation laid by his predecessor. The ex-defender aggressively dismantled the persistent myth that Ronaldinho succeeded purely on raw talent. According to Belletti, the legendary playmaker approached his daily preparation with immense seriousness, contrary to public perception.

"It doesn't seem like it but Ronaldinho trained a lot I am telling you very seriously Belletti revealed recalling intensive small-sided training sessions under the Catalan sun It was a small pitch tight space and with the ball he would go one-on-one or two-on-two and he did it every single day and every week The power he had to have for that dribble and to keep progressing he never faked it he never went to the ground"

Neymar bowed out as Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer with 80 goals and 59 assists across 130 caps. The talismanic forward had missed Brazil's opening two group-stage fixtures due to injury before returning for the final group-stage victory against Scotland. He then came on as a substitute against Norway to convert a late penalty, which proved insufficient to save Brazil from elimination.

Following the devastating defeat to Norway, undone by an Erling Haaland brace, the 34-year-old announced his international retirement. His stoppage-time penalty made him the first Brazilian to reach 80 international goals. His 16-year international journey, which included the 2013 Confederations Cup and Olympic gold in 2016, had reached its conclusion.