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:

Many fans came to the hospital where Neymar is being treated in order to support him. Great gesture. #voltaneymar pic.twitter.com/KN3H7gaFIp — Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) July 5, 2014

Brazil fans outside the São Carlos hospital where Neymar was being treated. One of them is praying. Touching picture. pic.twitter.com/T3ug16Kffp — Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) July 5, 2014

Teammates have been quick to send messages:

Willian

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

Fred

Fb Fred: "We will do our best to win the World Cup for you, Neymar." pic.twitter.com/vehEOf8YID — Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) July 5, 2014

David Luiz

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

Thiago Silva

Thiago Silva has promised Neymar that Brazil will win the World Cup for him. — Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) July 5, 2014

Thiago Silva: "They take your dream of playing the World Cup semi final and final. I love you my brother Neymar. We'll fight for you." — Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) July 5, 2014

Paulinho

Stay strong, brother! @neymarjr

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

Leandro Damiao

Força @neymarjr . Esse momento é difícil Demais, mas Deus sabe de todas as coisas. Tudo tem um propósito irmão. Tamo junto craque. — Leandro Damiao (@LeandroDamiaoo) July 4, 2014

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

Fb Messi: "Neymar, I hope you recover quickly. Get well soon my friend!" pic.twitter.com/cOE1RoyW4m — Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) July 5, 2014

Mesut Ozil

Neymar, i am unhappy. get well soon. — Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) July 5, 2014

Mario Balotelli

@neymarjr dale hermano ! Estoy contigo! Fuerza! — Mario Balotelli (@FinallyMario) July 5, 2014

@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

Sad if 100% true about @neymarjr being out of tournament, want to see all the big names fit & playing. — Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) July 5, 2014

And of course, Neymar's injury transcends football:

Kobe Bryant

A porrada no @neymarjr é um exemplo péssimo e sem classe de como competir #copadomundo #neymarjr #pensamentoseorações — Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) July 5, 2014

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

LeBron James

Hate to hear the news on Neymar! What a player. Have a speedy recovery/Get well asap man! #HesABeast #MyKidsFavPlayer — LeBron James (@KingJames) July 5, 2014

Larry Fitzgerald

Tough loss for #BRA to lose Neymar in the #WorldCup!! — Larry Fitzgerald (@LarryFitzgerald) July 5, 2014

Usain Bolt