Prates celebrates victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Brazil's elimination by Norway in the 2026 World Cup last Sunday (5), in New Jersey (USA), and Neymar Jr.'s retirement from the National Team continues to generate discussion. Now, it was Carlos Prates ' turn , upset with yet another premature defeat for the country in the tournament, this time 2-1 to Norway, to express his sadness, especially with the star's farewell from international games.
It's no secret that the UFC's top welterweight (up to 77,1 kg) fighter is a fan of football and, even more so, of Neymar. So much so that, on his official Instagram account, Prates didn't hesitate to pay tribute to him. It's true that, for many, the football genius shouldn't have been called up by coach Carlo Ancelotti to compete in the prestigious tournament due to his physical problems.
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Not satisfied, critics blamed the top scorer in the history of the Brazilian National Team for the tough defeat to Norway in the round of 16 and insulted him. Aware of the attacks against the player, Prates came to his defense, revealed that he was inspired by him before fighting in the UFC and tried to acknowledge his value. According to the athlete, if it was already difficult for Brazil to win with Neymar in action, it will be even more difficult without him.
"After Pelé, he was the best of all Brazilian names. He's not the greatest because, unfortunately, he didn't win a World Cup like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaká, and others. But with the ball at his feet, he was the best. He wasn't the greatest, but without a doubt the best Brazilian after Pelé. For those who don't know, every time I'm in the locker room before a fight, I keep seeing Neymar in my head," the athlete wrote.
“Before taking a decisive penalty, he doesn’t get nervous, he doesn’t tremble, and being a fan of his, wanting to be like Neymar, kind of helps me not feel pressure. A star player doesn’t get nervous, doesn’t feel pressure. I’m his number one fan, one of my inspirations, my idol who is only hated by Brazilians who don’t understand football.”
“As an athlete, it’s kind of strange, even a little sad, to see a legend and one of the best of all time end his last World Cup like this. This is the price he paid for being exceptional. I will continue to enjoy football and the national team, but it will take a while for someone to captivate me on television like this guy did. Ultimate idol,” he concluded.
Prates' Fighters in MMA
Carlos Prates , 32, is one of the top Brazilian fighters currently active in MMA and is on the rise in the UFC. He began his career in the sport in 2012 and debuted for the organization in 2024. Currently, the striker is ranked first in the welterweight division.
In this discipline, the Fighting Nerds academy member built a record of 24 wins, 22 by stoppage (19 by knockout and three by submission), and seven losses. His main victories were over Geoff Neal , Jack Della Maddalena , Leon Edwards , Li Jingliang , and Neil Magny.
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