'Keep playing football', Neymar's father writes emotional letter

Brazil's World Cup campaign ended with a loss to Norway, after which Neymar announced his retirement from international football. The star forward's sudden decision has left fans heartbroken, and his father, Neymar Sr, has also struggled to accept it. In an open letter shared on social media, he has urged his son to continue playing.

In a lengthy message, Neymar Sr reflected on his son's journey: "Oh son... what an incredible journey. What a beautiful path. Difficult, often painful, but filled with endless blessings. It feels like yesterday I saw you dreaming with a ball at your feet. You couldn't imagine how far God would take you. I understood from a very young age that there was something special about you. It wasn't just talent. There was a purpose behind it."

The letter also touched on his experience of standing by his son through the ups and downs of his career: "Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for allowing me to be by your side during your happy and difficult times. We have cried together, prayed together, celebrated together and learned together."

The most emotional part of the letter saw Neymar Sr ask his son to stay in football: "Son, keep playing football. Rediscover that joy of having the ball at your feet. Bring back that smile on the pitch. Today you are healthy. God has given you another opportunity to do what you have always loved. Enjoy the game. Do not carry the weight of life's decisions, criticism, expectations or obstacles on your shoulders. Some things are in human hands, but some decisions are only in God's hands."

Neymar Sr believes his son's story is not over yet: "The decision you make now does not define your entire story. Just because a dream hasn't been fulfilled doesn't mean it's over. A difficult moment never writes the final chapter of a story. Only the Creator writes the final chapter of our lives. Until then, be happy. Play football with ease. Bring joy to people again. Do what God has always placed in your hands since childhood."

He concluded: "And never forget—before the world loved you, the Creator always loved you. Son, I would do it all over again. Every trip, every sacrifice, every sleepless night, every worry, every prayer."