Once Marquinhos sent his penalty shot to the post, sealing Brazil's exit from the 2022 World Cup, Neymar broke into tears. The dream of lifting the most coveted trophy in sports was again unfulfilled.
Several teammates approached the PSG star, trying to solace him. Thiago Silva, Dani Alves, and Vinícius Jr. were among those patting his shoulder. However, the most touching moment in the sequence was when a small kid with a Croatian jersey ran to Neymar to console him.
Ivan Perisić son consoles Neymar
The kid had the N°4 and the name Leo on the back and was quickly identified as one of the sons of Croatian international Ivan Perisić.
Leo obviously celebrated, along with his father, the qualification for the semifinals in Qatar. But a few seconds after, the boy saw Neymar crying near the center of the field and decided to run toward him.
Lovely moment as a child from the celebrating Croatia squad - looks like Ivan Perisic family - runs over to console Neymar after #HRV shock Brazil to end #BRA dream of 1st #FIFAWorldCup since 2002 & record-extending 6th titlehttps://t.co/cyXMYoPulg@TheAthleticFC #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/HU2tZthP82
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) December 9, 2022
Ivan Perišić's son Leo went over to check on an emotional Neymar after Brazil's elimination from the 2022 FIFA World Cup ❤️ pic.twitter.com/h8rgKF4PRM
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 9, 2022
Probably star-struck by the proximity of the Brazilian, the kid interrupted Dani Alves and offered a hug to Neymar. Despite the tears and the pain produced by the elimination, Ney looked back at the kid and reciprocated the display of affection in one of the most heartwarming moments of the tournament.