Ronaldinho's innovative playing style has inspired Neymar, according to Juliano Belletti. On June 2026, Neymar announced his retirement from international football after Brazil's 2-1 defeat to Norway in the World Cup round of 16.
What happened?
Neymar's retirement marks the end of an era for Brazilian football, with the forward finishing as the nation's all-time leading goalscorer with 80 goals and 59 assists in 130 caps.
Belletti, who shared dressing rooms with Ronaldinho at both club and international levels, credits the 2002 World Cup winner with inventing the style that Neymar has built upon.
Why it matters for Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho's influence on Neymar is evident in the latter's playing style, with Belletti stating that Neymar "does what Ronaldinho has invented and has created". This includes the use of dribbles, passes, and overhead flicks that have become a hallmark of Brazilian football.
Neymar's retirement has sparked debate about his legacy, with some believing that he does not quite live up to Ronaldinho's standards. However, Belletti is adamant that Ronaldinho's impact on the game cannot be overstated.
What comes next?
As Brazil looks to the future, it is clear that Ronaldinho's legacy will continue to be felt. With Neymar's retirement, a new generation of players will be looking to fill the void, and it is likely that they will be drawing inspiration from Ronaldinho's innovative playing style.
Belletti recalled intensive small-sided training sessions with Ronaldinho under the Catalan sun, which helped the playmaker develop his unique skills. "It was a small pitch, tight space, and with the ball he would go one-on-one or two-on-two, and he did it every single day and every week," Belletti said.
The power and dedication that Ronaldinho brought to his training have had a lasting impact on Brazilian football, with players like Neymar benefiting from his innovative approach to the game. On June 2026, Neymar converted a late penalty against Norway, but it was not enough to save his side from a World Cup exit.
Neymar's international career has been marked by numerous highlights, including his goal-scoring record and his role in Brazil's World Cup campaigns. However, it is clear that Ronaldinho's influence has been a significant factor in his success.
As the football world looks to the future, it is likely that Ronaldinho's legacy will continue to be felt. With his innovative playing style and dedication to training, he has left a lasting impact on the game, and players like Neymar will be forever grateful for the inspiration he has provided.