Brazilian legend Ronaldo insists Neymar must be included in Brazil’s World Cup squad to boost Selecao’s chances
Brazilian football icon Ronaldo has called on national team coach Carlo Ancelotti to restore Neymar to the Selecão squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Speaking at a promotional event in São Paulo, the two-time World Cup winner stressed Neymar’s irreplaceable influence on Brazil’s chances of reclaiming football’s biggest prize.
“He is a decisive player for the Brazilian Selecão. We don’t have another player like Neymar,” Ronaldo said. “The people hope 100 percent that he will go to the World Cup, because if he is there, we will definitely have better results than if he’s not there.”
Neymar’s Journey Back
Now 33, Neymar has been in regular action for boyhood club Santos since January 2025, marking a return to form after a difficult spell with Saudi side Al Hilal. His time there was cut short by a serious cruciate knee ligament injury sustained on international duty in October 2023, which sidelined him for nearly a year.
Despite his resurgence in Brazil’s top flight, Ancelotti who has overseen four games since taking charge has so far resisted recalling him to the national team. The Italian coach noted in September that the forward “needs to get in better shape to help the national team and to give the best of himself at the World Cup.”
Neymar Importance to Brazil Highlighted by Ronaldo
Ronaldo’s backing adds weight to the growing calls for Neymar’s inclusion as Brazil prepares for upcoming qualifiers and eventual squad selection. With a history of both brilliance and injury setbacks including missing the 2019 Copa América triumph Neymar remains a symbol of hope for many Brazilians eager to see the country lift a sixth World Cup title.
As the countdown to 2026 continues, all eyes will be on whether Ancelotti bows to public sentiment and Ronaldo’s persuasion by handing Neymar another chance on football’s grandest stage.
