Portugal defender Joao Cancelo has leapt to the defence of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, insisting the two football icons have nothing left to prove despite facing criticism during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Cancelo spoke after scrutiny intensified over Ronaldo’s performances following Portugal’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo, while questions have also been raised about Neymar’s role in Brazil’s squad after injury problems limited his involvement in the tournament.
The full-back said the achievements of both players should be enough to silence their critics.
“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 that talk is just for show.
“Both Cristiano and Neymar know who they are and what they represent for their countries.”
Ronaldo recently became one of only two players, alongside Lionel Messi, to feature at six different FIFA World Cup tournaments.
The Portugal captain is also the men’s all-time leading international goalscorer with 143 goals since making his senior debut in 2003.
Neymar, meanwhile, remains Brazil’s highest-scoring player with 79 goals in 128 appearances for the Selecao.
The 34-year-old has not played regularly for Brazil since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in October 2023, but is expected to return when the South Americans face Scotland.
Scotland defender Jack Hendry said he is relishing the prospect of coming up against Neymar again.
“Yeah, no problem,” Hendry said.
“Obviously, he was out in the league I was in.
“I’m quite comfortable coming up against Neymar and I look forward to it, it really should be a good battle.
“I played against him in the Champions League.
“Obviously the front three at that time were Messi, Mbappe and Neymar.
“You learn a lot from these moments.”
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has already confirmed Neymar is fit to return for the clash, setting up another high-profile appearance for one of world football’s biggest stars.
