For the player, Neymar’s role within the national team goes beyond the field
The debate over Neymar’s presence at the 2026 World Cup gained another chapter, this time with the support of Raphinha. In an interview with presenter Luciano Huck, the The attacker did not hide his admiration for his teammate and made a point of defending his selection.
For Raphinha, the Neymar’s protagonism within the national team goes beyond the field and has a direct impact on collective performance. “For me, Neymar is the top guy. For me, he’s Neymar. I think we have to understand who he is for Brazilian football. And if he’s in good physical shape, he’s a very important guy who can help us win this championship.”
The player also detailed how he was received by number 10 in his first moments with the national team, highlighting the attacker’s role as leader in the group.
“It was a guy who welcomed me into the team, hugged me as if he had known me for a long time. He gave me the confidence to be able to play my football. He hugged me, he really hugged me. And Neymar in this team will help, if Ancelotti puts it there.”
Neymar’s situation and Ancelotti’s decision
Despite Raphinha’s public support, the Neymar’s presence at the World Cup is still not guaranteed. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has adopted the athletes’ physical condition as his main criterion and has not called up the striker since taking over the national team.
Currently at Santos, Neymar is looking to regain his playing rhythm after facing recent physical problems. The coach himself has already indicated that he will only take players who are 100% prepared to compete at a high level.
Still, Ancelotti does not rule out the number 10’s name for the final list. The definition will take place in the call-up scheduled for May 18th, just before the start of the World Cup, which starts in June.
