Footballing world reacts to Neymar's apparent World Cup-ending injury

At roughly 6:45 p.m. local time, the unthinkable happened in Fortaleza.

As Neymar attempted to shield a bouncing ball, Colombian defender Juan Camilo Zúñiga lunged in recklessly and planted his knee into the Brazilian superstar's back.

When Marcelo got down next to Neymar and appeared visibly rattled, it was clear that the injury was serious. Such suspicions were confirmed when the team's leading scorer was carried out on a stretcher and taken to hospital. 

Reports state that Neymar's World Cup campaign is now over as he suffered a fractured vertebrae on the challenge. Other opportunities will obviously arise, but for now, it's a devastating end to Neymar's childhood dream of appearing in a World Cup final and leading his country like Ronaldo did in 2002. 

It might not provide him with much consolation, but Neymar is receiving a massive outpouring of love from the footballing world.

Supporters flocked to the hospital where he's being treated to support him:

Teammates have been quick to send messages:

Willian

"Stay strong, brother @neymarjr we're with you and we love you"

Fred

David Luiz

All of Brazil is with you brother! We love @neymarjr

Thiago Silva

Paulinho

Stay strong, brother! @neymarjr

Players who didn't crack Brazil's roster have also been quick to send Neymar their support:

Leandro Damiao

Stay strong @neymarjr. This moment is too difficult, but God knows all things. Everything has a purpose brother. We're together ace.

Even Neymar's rivals at the tournament have nothing but kind words:

Lionel Messi

Mesut Ozil

Mario Balotelli

@neymarjr give it your all brother! I'm with you! Stay strong!

Lukas Podolski

Add retired international players to the list of those wishing Neymar well:

Rio Ferdinand

And of course, Neymar's injury transcends football:

Kobe Bryant

The injury of @neymarjr is a terrible and classless example of how to compete

LeBron James

Larry Fitzgerald

Usain Bolt