Neymar out of World Cup 2014: David Beckham posts old pictures of his friend and wishes him a speedy recovery

David Beckham has spoken of his disappointment to see his friend Neymar's World Cup participation end after he was carried off on a stretcher, and posted a picture montage of the two together, including one taken when the "incredible" forward was just a boy.

Neymar will play no further part in the World Cup after breaking a bone in his back after a wild challenge from the Colombian defender Juan Zuiga during Brazil's 2-1 win in the last 16 on Friday night.

The 22-year-old forward initially feared that he would be paralysed after the incident, which has ruled him out of action for up to six weeks.

While Neymar has dramatically changed in the pictures as he has grown from boy to man, Beckham, now aged 39, looks exactly the same.

The Neymar-less Brazil take on Germany in the semi-final in Belo Horizonte tomorrow night.