The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. 

Neymar out of World Cup 2014: 'I can't feel my legs,' what the startled Brazil striker told team-mate Marcelo moments after Juan Zuniga challenge

The Brazilian feared for his career after the challenge

James Orr
Monday 07 July 2014 10:07 BST
Comments
Neymar feels the pain of the challenge that put him out of the World Cup
Neymar feels the pain of the challenge that put him out of the World Cup (EPA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Neymar feared he was paralysed moments after the challenge from Colombia's Juan Zuniga that ruled him out of the World Cup with a broken back, Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has revealed.

The poster boy of the tournament was carried off on a stretcher and immediately taken to hospital before the Brazil team doctor confirmed that he had fractured one of his vertbrae.

The Barcelona forward will be out for four to six weeks, but Scolari said that the forward initially feared for his career in his state of shock after the challenge, in which Zuniga kneed the 22-year-old in the back. A foul was not given as Brazil played advantage.

"He said: 'I can’t feel my legs'," Scolari told Marca, revealing the details of the on-pitch conversation between Neymar and team-mate Marcelo after the incident.

"Marcelo was scared and called the doctor on but the doctor couldn’t get on in the confusion. It was a big shock, the image of Neymar being stretchered off to the helicopter, in difficulty, crying."

Scolari added: "Neymar is our star player, because he's the type of match-winner who would make a difference in any team. We've lost the one player we didn't want to lose ahead of the semi-finals and the final."

Brazil take on Germany in the semi-final in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in