Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer with 79 goals and the 32-year-old said he would have one last shot at World Cup glory in 2026.

When Cristiano Ronaldo walked down the tunnel in tears at the Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday, it must have felt surreal for millions of his and Portugal fans around the globe.

Ever wonder how your favourite footballer rose to success? For many footballers, it was not as simple as being scouted or joining a football academy where their only concern was the sport. Many footballers have a life filled with harsh memories, losses, financial struggles, and displacement. Their stories are inspirational as they persevered and came out of their hardship for themselves and their families. Here are some of the inspirational stories which haunt some of our favourite footballers.

The product of glorious Brazilian football genes, exceptional body control, quick reflexes, and admirable confidence on the football field come together in the form of Neymar Jr, a name that resonates all over the globe, even more so during the season of the 2022 Qatar World Cup. A remarkable goal-scorer and famed playmaker, Neymar da Silva Santos Junior’s journey seem awe-inspiring. Yet, this thirty-year-old has faced immense obstacles throughout his voyage to the top. For some dose of motivation, let us explore a few words of wisdom from the golden-haired magician himself on how to conquer your weaknesses.

Teammates who spend quality time together on and off the pitch and do not let their different backgrounds create any barriers between them, form some of the coolest bromances in football that make the beautiful game more wholesome. With sparks flying on and off the pitch, we look at these 5 ‘bromances’ that everyone has come to encourage and appreciate.