Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazário believes Neymar will be central to Brazil’s chances at the 2026 World Cup, provided the forward can regain full fitness.
Neymar, 33, has not featured for Brazil since suffering an ACL injury in October 2023 and has since been hampered by further setbacks, including a thigh problem in April and a muscular injury last month. As a result, he has missed Carlo Ancelotti’s first two squad selections.
Despite this, Ronaldo is convinced Neymar remains vital for Brazil.
“Brazil can achieve anything with the players they have available,” Ronaldo said. “Neymar can be, and I believe he will be, an important player in the World Cup. Everyone wants Neymar at 100% – that’s what Ancelotti wants, and what he wants too. In his mind, I see a strong desire to be at the World Cup and help the Brazilian team.”
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals, is aiming to play in his fourth World Cup next year. In January, he returned to boyhood club Santos after parting ways with Saudi side Al Hilal, where his time was cut short by injuries.
Santos, however, are enduring a difficult domestic campaign. Their 1-1 draw at Atlético Mineiro on 14 September left them 16th in the Brazilian top flight, just one point clear of the relegation zone. The club’s struggles have increased scrutiny on Neymar, though Ronaldo feels the criticism is misplaced.
“He’s coming off a serious injury, and what he’s going through is very natural: readaptation, finding game rhythm,” Ronaldo said. “The criticism is exaggerated, but expectations for him are always high. Neymar knows what needs to be done to be at 100% for the World Cup.”
Brazil have already sealed qualification for the 2026 World Cup, despite finishing fifth in South American qualifying with 28 points – their lowest finish in history.
The Seleção have not lifted the trophy since 2002, when Ronaldo himself spearheaded their success. The closest they have come since was in 2014, when they finished fourth on home soil.
Ronaldo remains optimistic, praising Ancelotti’s influence since taking charge.
“Ancelotti is a wonderful person, a team player, who always brings harmony and motivation,” he said. “Tactically, he’s brilliant, a winner in football. Ancelotti and the national team have everything they need to succeed.”
