Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. has reportedly paid tribute to Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo following reports of his retirement from international football, responding with a single word on social media.
According to the report, the 41-year-old Ronaldo announced his decision on Instagram, saying he would return Portugal’s iconic No. 7 jersey after the November international break. His international career began in 2003.
Neymar responded with the Portuguese word “Linda,” which the report describes as meaning “legend,” in a brief tribute to the Portuguese superstar.
Ronaldo is Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped player, having scored 146 goals in 234 international appearances, according to the supplied report.
Under his leadership, Portugal won its first European Championship title in 2016 and lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy in 2019 and 2025.
Although Neymar and Ronaldo have spent much of their careers as rivals, the two footballers have maintained mutual respect for each other.
Neymar, who has reportedly retired from Brazil’s national team this year, made 130 appearances for his country and scored 80 goals.