Ronaldo Nazario breaks silence after causing stir in Brazil: Clears up Neymar-CBF president drama over ACL injury that ended his Saudi Pro League spell
Does Neymar have a bad relationship with Brazilian Football Federation president Ednaldo Rodrigues? Does the Santos star really blame him for his ACL injury in 2023? These questions have lingered in the Brazilian soccer world following comments made by Ronaldo Nazario, one of the nation’s most iconic players. However, the legendary striker has now stepped forward to clarify his remarks, issuing a public apology to Neymar to set the record straight.
The controversy began after Ronaldo spoke on the Charla Podcast, where he suggested that Neymar held Rodrigues responsible for the serious ACL injury he suffered in October 2023. The injury, which occurred during a match against Uruguay, was a devastating blow for Neymar, leaving him sidelined for over a year. However, Ronaldo implied that the current Santos forward believed the poor pitch conditions at Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba, where the Seleção had played against Venezuela days earlier, were a major factor in his injury.
“As far as I know, he doesn’t get along with Ednaldo Rodrigues. He blames Ednaldo for his ACL injury, saying it happened on the Cuiaba pitch with uneven grass. That’s what I heard; I can’t confirm if it’s true. That’s what I heard,” Ronaldo stated in the interview.
These words quickly sparked debate within Brazilian soccer, leading to questions about Neymar’s relationship with the CBF president and whether he truly harbored resentment over the injury. The discussion intensified as Ednaldo Rodrigues secured re-election, a process in which Ronaldo initially planned to run but later withdrew due to lack of support.
Ronaldo’s public apology to Neymar
Three days after his initial comments, Ronaldo took to social media to issue a public apology to Neymar, recognizing that his words may have caused harm and been misinterpreted. “I would like to apologize to Neymar for having spoken about his relationship with the president of the CBF. As a former player, I know how badly told stories can harm us,” the legend wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
The former Barcelona and Real Madrid star also sought to offer his support for Neymar, emphasizing his belief in the forward’s ability to make a difference for the Brazilian national team. “I also know how much his talent can make a difference in the Brazilian National Team. That’s why I support him!”
This apology was seen as an effort to ease tensions and prevent unnecessary speculation over the 33-year-old’s role within the Seleção. The Santos forward, who is currently recovering from another injury, has not yet publicly responded to Ronaldo’s statement.