Neymar donates $250,000 to help Venezuela after earthquake kills more than 1,400; ‘My heart goes out to the people…’ | Today’s news

Neymar once again showed his humanitarian side as the Brazilian soccer superstar reportedly donated US$250,000 (approx. ₹2.36 million) to support the victims of the devastating twin earthquakes in Venezuela that claimed many lives. Neymar is currently part of Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States.

According to a report by Venezuelan news site El Sumario.com, she said the funds will be used to provide immediate assistance to people affected by the emergency, including supplies of food, drinking water, medical supplies and temporary shelters.

Read also | Caracas has been hit by a powerful aftershock as Venezuela grapples with deadly tremors

“My heart goes out to the people of Venezuela,” Neymar said, as quoted by El Sumario.com, while expressing hope that the post would bring strength and relief to the affected families.

The earthquake in Venezuela left 1,430 dead and 3,238 injured

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Neymar donated $250,000 to support the victims of the earthquake in Venezuela, with the funds allocated to immediate relief, including food, water, medical supplies and temporary shelters.

Venezuela’s devastating earthquake has left over 1,400 dead and more than 3,200 injured, displaced thousands and strained an already fragile health care system.

Neymar’s contribution is significant as it helps provide essential aid to thousands affected by the disaster and highlights the importance of international support during humanitarian crises.

Rescue teams in Venezuela are struggling with a lack of heavy equipment and ongoing tremors, complicating efforts to find and help survivors trapped in the rubble.

Neymar’s recovery has shown significant improvement, allowing him to participate more actively in matches, including coming off the bench during Brazil’s match against Scotland.

At least 1,430 people have died in the devastating twin earthquakes that struck the country on Wednesday, according to CNN, citing an update provided by the president of Venezuela’s National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez. He added that 3,238 people were injured and 3,142 families were displaced after losing their homes.

Rescue teams continue to search for survivors as the critical rescue window narrows, operations hampered by a lack of heavy equipment and persistent aftershocks. Since twin earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela on Wednesday, the country has experienced several aftershocks and smaller aftershocks, complicating ongoing rescue and relief efforts.

Read also | FIFA World Cup 2026: Neymar in tears after Brazil return

A strong aftershock hit Caracas and La Guaira on Monday, AFP journalists reported, nearly five days after the twin earthquakes that have already claimed at least 1,450 lives. The aftershock was felt shortly after 7:00 a.m. (1100 GMT) as the search continues for survivors of last Wednesday’s earthquake that rocked northern Venezuela, and with fears for the safety of hundreds of buildings weakened by the tremors.

Canlo Ancelotti updates on Neymar’s fitness

Meanwhile, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti said their star striker Neymar has made significant progress in his recovery and is now fit to play for longer as the five-time world champions prepare for their 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 match against Japan.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Ancelotti said Neymar’s condition had improved significantly over the past week. Neymar, 34, who missed the first two World Cup games, came off the bench in the closing stages of Brazil’s comfortable 3-0 win against Scotland.

“Over the last week his progress has been significant,” Ancelotti told reporters on Sunday, as quoted by Reuters. Unfortunately he couldn’t play more than 15 minutes before, but now he’s doing well enough to play more.”

Read also | Why is Neymar not playing in Brazil’s 2026 FIFA World Cup clash with Haiti?

Brazil’s top spot in Group C extended its remarkable record of dominating a World Cup group for the 12th tournament in a row. The five-time champions have finished first in their group at every World Cup since 1982, maintaining an extraordinary 44-year streak of group stage dominance.